Stacey D’Erasmo – Benjamin Woodard

Thinking about talking to writers

I just returned from the first Barrelhouse/Hobart Writer Camp, and after spending a few days talking with other writers about writing in the Pennsylvania wilderness, I’ve been inspired to revisit all of the author interviews I’ve conducted over the years.

In case any of you want to check these out, too, I’ve made a convenient list below. Just click on the author’s name to find the interview:

Plus there’s this piece, which contains small responses from some of the above, but also Charles Baxter, Vanessa Blakeslee, Jennine Capó Crucet, Julia Elliott, Roxane Gay, Amelia Gray, Lindsay Hunter, Bret Anthony Johnston, Stephen Graham Jones, Maya Lang, Rebecca Makkai, Jess Row, Ted Thompson, Laura van den Berg, and Kevin Wilson.

Visiting Wonderland with Stacey D’Erasmo

Recently, I talked with Stacey D’Erasmo about her superb new book, Wonderland, for Publishers Weekly. The transcript is now up on the PW website (though you need to be a subscriber to read the piece). I believe the interview will also appear in an upcoming print edition. (UPDATE: It is in the 3/17/14 issue)

D’Erasmo’s book, about a rock musician attempting a comeback, is full of fantastic, lyrical prose, and in our chat, we discussed just how she captured that “on the road” life. Turns out she actually went on tour with Scissor Sisters.

We talked long enough for multiple interviews, and I ended up cutting out more than I wanted. But the end piece represents the general flavor of our chat.

Here’s a link to the interview. I’m sure it’ll eventually pop up for free.