Ask the Author: Rich Silvers
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Rich Silvers
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Rich Silvers
The question could also be posed as: was Fitzgerald a romantic or an egoist? Part of me wants to say both. He used the term “romantic egoist” in his first novel “This Side of Paradise.” I think it’s good if a writer has some of each. The romantic makes you yearn to write. The egoist makes you believe you can. Fitzgerald said, “I am not a great man, but sometimes, I think the impersonal and objective quality of my talent, and the sacrifices of it, in pieces, to preserve its essential value has some sort of epic grandeur.” He refers to the sacrifices “of” his talent, (not “for” it). I construe both his drinking and Zelda as two of those sacrifices, though ironically, Zelda was also his muse. He also said he left his capacity for hoping on the “little” roads that led from Zelda’s sanitarium, and therefore, I’d like to believe he was more of a romantic and “Tender is the Night” reflected his hope for Zelda.
Rich Silvers
My favorite couple is Dick and Nicole Diver from the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel “Tender is the Night.” Diver is a psychiatrist and his wife is wealthy, exquisite, and mentally troubled. Dick tries to save her and loses himself in the process. It’s a tragic story, an example of how complex love can be when two people are drawn to each other, but there are destructive aspects to their union as well. The Divers echo the relationship that Fitzgerald had with his wife, Zelda, who battled her own demons—unsuccessfully. One of Fitzgerald’s noted quotes is: “I left my capacity for hoping on the little roads that led to Zelda’s sanitarium.”
P.L. Doss
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. They are the quintessential opposites who are attracted to each other, and their dial
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. They are the quintessential opposites who are attracted to each other, and their dialogues are full of dueling wit.
...more
Feb 08, 2017 09:20AM · flag
Feb 08, 2017 09:20AM · flag
Jane Ryder
You're making me want to read Tender is the Night, even though I'm on a sci-fi kick right now. (You had me at "tragic" because I'm a total sucker for
You're making me want to read Tender is the Night, even though I'm on a sci-fi kick right now. (You had me at "tragic" because I'm a total sucker for tragedy.)
...more
Feb 15, 2017 02:14PM · flag
Feb 15, 2017 02:14PM · flag
Rich Silvers
Write the book you really want to and hold yourself to a higher standard than anyone else does.
Rich Silvers
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[I wondered what it would be like if a character (Julian) believed he was responsible for another's death and the rest of the world believed he was innocent. The story evolved from there, but from the start I knew I wanted Julian's feeling guilt to play a key role in the psychological tension of the story. (hide spoiler)]
Rich Silvers
I go for a walk, and if that doesn't work, I take the rest of the day off, and if I'm really stuck, a couple of days. Usually after that I'm ready to get back into it.
Rich Silvers
My third novel "Sum lives" Here's the elevator pitch for it:
Mark Holder is creating a battery that can get an SUV the equivalent of 640 mpg. If Mark is to succeed, he needs Eric Nolan’s help. Both men are in love with Christy Sands—an extraordinarily beautiful and talented painter.
When Mark is suddenly confronted by businessmen who describe the economic destruction his invention would create, Mark must decide between his dream, his principles, and Christy’s love.
Mark Holder is creating a battery that can get an SUV the equivalent of 640 mpg. If Mark is to succeed, he needs Eric Nolan’s help. Both men are in love with Christy Sands—an extraordinarily beautiful and talented painter.
When Mark is suddenly confronted by businessmen who describe the economic destruction his invention would create, Mark must decide between his dream, his principles, and Christy’s love.
Rich Silvers
I get to create a world where everything turns out the way I want it to.
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