That’s for this interview - it was straightforward and very informative for writers (especially one’s writing a book for the first time and columns in different outlets)
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful. I think Matt’s point about determining to have an idea is right on. I’m always scouting for angles so when I sit down to write I’ve got something in my pocket to get me started.
"My advice is not to wait to be struck by an idea. If you’re a writer, you sit down and damn well decide to have an idea. That’s the way to get an idea.” Absolutely. When I was at college a lecturer told us of a writer (I don't recall who) who was interviewed:
Interviewer: what do you do in order to write?
Writer: I wait for inspiration.
Interviewer: what do I do while waiting for inspiration?
I don’t watch news pr read politics, but if it were more like Matt Lewis I could be interested. Thanks. I appreciate his demeanor and the way he talks about things.
Yes, same here. I intentionally avoid most politics these days except from a few sources and rarely broach it here in the newsletter. But I’ve always appreciated Matt’s approach.
On just showing up to write, Stephen King also gave similar advice!
"Don’t wait for the muse. As I’ve said, he’s a hardheaded guy who’s not susceptible to a lot of creative fluttering. This isn’t the Ouija board or the spirit-world we’re talking about here, but just another job like laying pipe or driving long-haul trucks. Your job is to make sure the muse knows where you’re going to be every day from nine ’til noon. Or seven ’til three. If he does know, I assure you that sooner or later he’ll start showing up.” - Stephen King, On Writing.
Thanks for the interview? Good job. Is this is the first time you’ve posted an interview? If so, I would recommend you continue doing this.
Thanks! It’s an occasional feature. I’ve done four now. Here they are with more to come: https://www.millersbookreview.com/t/q-and-a
That’s for this interview - it was straightforward and very informative for writers (especially one’s writing a book for the first time and columns in different outlets)
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful. I think Matt’s point about determining to have an idea is right on. I’m always scouting for angles so when I sit down to write I’ve got something in my pocket to get me started.
Great interview. I agree with his choice of dinner guests apart fromDon DeLillo, who in not familiar with. My third guest would have been Borges 😁
Borges would be a blast!
😁
"My advice is not to wait to be struck by an idea. If you’re a writer, you sit down and damn well decide to have an idea. That’s the way to get an idea.” Absolutely. When I was at college a lecturer told us of a writer (I don't recall who) who was interviewed:
Interviewer: what do you do in order to write?
Writer: I wait for inspiration.
Interviewer: what do I do while waiting for inspiration?
Writer: I write.
Great quote. That’s how it’s done.
💪
Also loved the Andy Rooney advice. Also like the way you teased book recommendations from the interview. Good work.
Thanks, Michael! Glad you enjoyed it.
I don’t watch news pr read politics, but if it were more like Matt Lewis I could be interested. Thanks. I appreciate his demeanor and the way he talks about things.
Yes, same here. I intentionally avoid most politics these days except from a few sources and rarely broach it here in the newsletter. But I’ve always appreciated Matt’s approach.
On just showing up to write, Stephen King also gave similar advice!
"Don’t wait for the muse. As I’ve said, he’s a hardheaded guy who’s not susceptible to a lot of creative fluttering. This isn’t the Ouija board or the spirit-world we’re talking about here, but just another job like laying pipe or driving long-haul trucks. Your job is to make sure the muse knows where you’re going to be every day from nine ’til noon. Or seven ’til three. If he does know, I assure you that sooner or later he’ll start showing up.” - Stephen King, On Writing.
Such great advice. It’s about determination and discipline. The creativity follows.