Ask the Author: Maria Thompson Corley
Answered Questions (8)
Maria Thompson Corley
I'm currently reading "On Beauty" by Zadie Smith. I bought it years ago, never got around to it, and discovered it on a shelf in my basement. I think I'll head back downstairs when I'm done with that one and see what else I forgot about!
Maria Thompson Corley
My brother remains a mystery to me, in many ways. He died of AIDS in 1988 at the age of 25. I know I only got glimpses into his life--enough to have the outlines of the picture, but I'm certain that the details would be even more fascinating--and heartbreaking.
Maria Thompson Corley
I'm actually rather unafraid to create male characters. I'm hyperanalytical, which is a problem in real life, but also means I'm always taking in information about how people behave, whether up close or from a distance, in reality or on various screens. In addition, I read articles and books by and about men (I have a soft spot for interviews).
All of this sounds pretty thin, I suspect, and none of this makes me a man. I rationalize by saying that men aren't monolithic, so if I create an "atypical" man, it's okay.
All of this sounds pretty thin, I suspect, and none of this makes me a man. I rationalize by saying that men aren't monolithic, so if I create an "atypical" man, it's okay.
Maria Thompson Corley
You are truly godlike! That said, once you've created your characters, they tend to make their own decisions! As in, they can't do things that don't conform to their personalities. Still, it's a very cool, if challenging, method of self-expression.
Maria Thompson Corley
I'll let you know when I'm successful enough to feel qualified to give advice!
Maria Thompson Corley
Right now I'm wearing my musician hat, but next week I plan to make a bigger commitment to blogging. I also have three other books in the pipeline, two as drafts and a third I've just begun. The last one departs from my tendency to write about relationships. And humans.
Maria Thompson Corley
Writing for me isn't so much about inspiration as necessity. That sounds corny, but it's true. That said, I'm also a musician. I suspect I would need to find inspiration if writing was my only form of creative expression.
Maria Thompson Corley
My mother suggested it, actually. Aspects of my book are (loosely!) autobiographical.
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