Andrew Sean Greer: Becoming a Successful Novelist

TL;DR

Author shares insights on writing, success, and personal connections with readers.

Transcript

a little bit I don't want my editor to see this and get any inkling of what I'm doing yeah I started it a while ago it's actually a book I abandoned a while ago and got really down about I couldn't figure out how to do it and when I was writing the story of a marriage I I figured it out I think you do that you figure out the way into a book and whi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🆕 Authors can find new inspiration by revisiting abandoned projects with a fresh perspective.
• 🥺 Readers can form deep personal connections with novelists, potentially leading to concerns about excessive fame.
• 🛀 The literary landscape has evolved, with online book communities showing a continued passion for literature.
• ❓ Writing about diverse relationships requires a thoughtful approach to capture the nuances of different dynamics.
• ❓ Historical settings can illuminate the constraints and differences in relationships, contrasting with contemporary portrayals.
• 🤨 The impact of reviews on authors remains significant, raising questions about the role of reviewers in shaping literary reception.
• 💦 Personal experiences and curiosities influence authors' choices in depicting various relationships in their works.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the author's experience with "The Story of a Marriage" help them with a previously abandoned book?

The author mentioned that while writing "The Story of a Marriage", they discovered a new comic tone that unlocked the way into an old abandoned book, providing a fresh perspective and approach to the writing process.

Q: What does the author think about the personal connection readers have with novelists?

The author acknowledges the intimate bond readers can form with novelists, expressing concerns about the implications of excessive fame and the potential for readers to become overly attached to authors on a personal level.

Q: How does the author view the current state of writing and literature compared to the past?

The author reflects on the changes in the literary landscape, noting the shift in cultural impact from past authors like Philip Roth to the vibrant online book community today, indicating a continued passion for literature despite evolving trends.

Q: How does the author approach writing about different types of relationships in their works?

The author discusses their exploration of gay relationships in their writing, highlighting the complexities of depicting diverse relationships and the contrast between historical and contemporary settings in shaping these dynamics.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Author discusses rediscovering a book and finding a new approach through a different tone.

• Reflects on the personal nature of reading novels and the potential downsides of excessive fame.

• Explores the changing landscape of writing, the impact of reviews, and the evolution of relationships in literature.