by Joe Bunting |
Several months ago, I read Max Andrew Dubinsky’s short story, “The Boy With His Heart on His Sleeve,” and didn’t care for it. Too sappy. The metaphor too easy. So when he published a book of short stories last month, We Can’t Go Home Again, I only bought it because it was $0.99 cents.
I’m so glad I did.
If I could use one word to describe We Can’t Go Home Again it would be Ash, like cigarettes, sin, and death. The characters are dirty with it, and Max asks us to look unflinching into their lives. To say I was impressed is an understatement.
by Joe Bunting |
When I was 13, my best friend’s father, the pastor of my church, came out as gay. Years later, I decided to write about the experience.
I had this memory of my best friend being harassed by members of our church congregation as she walked home from school, but when I asked my mom about this, she reminded me I couldn’t have been walking home from school with my friend since we didn’t attend the same school. I had created that memory out of stories I’d been told.
by Joe Bunting |
Why do authors read? We all know why we should read more: to learn the rules, to understand the language better, to figure out which stories work and which don’t. But I wanted to get deeper than shoulds. Why do experienced, published authors actually read? Roz is about as experienced a novelist, not to mention blogger, as they come, so I hope this gives you an insight into a real author’s reading life, and how to improve your own.
by Joe Bunting |
This week, we’ve heard from some great interviewers—bloggers and journalists who have interviewed presidents (like G.H.W. Bush), celebrities (like Sting and Kevin Bacon), and niche celebrities (like Seth Godin and Steven Pressfield).
If you’ve been following along, you now know:
Interviews are a powerful promotional tool
You should never stake someone out for an interview
However, chasing busy interviewees into elevators and cabs is cool
Dumb questions make for great interviews
When interviewing liars, meet them in person (polar bears, too)
by Joe Bunting |
Most bloggers interview by email. Most journalists interview face-to-face or over the phone.
Why the split?
I don’t blame the bloggers. I once interviewed five Kashmiri men for an article in a newspaper. Kashmiri’s like to talk, and they talk fast. I tried to keep notes, but after each interview, my hand was so cramped it felt like Dauood—with his large, round belly—had sat on it for an hour.
by Joe Bunting |
What do you do when someone doesn’t want to be interviewed?
This has happened to me. When I began working on this series, I made some big asks. I emailed Malcolm Gladwell. His assistant emailed me back, “Malcolm asked me to thank you for your kind invitation to interview, and to apologize for not being able to accept it. Thanks for your understanding.”
You’re welcome, nice assistant. I do understand.
