Ask the Author: K.M. Zahrt
Answered Questions (7)
K.M. Zahrt
These books are currently on my immediate to-read shelf. I'm sure my actual read shelf will be much different at the end of the summer, but it'll be interesting to compare the lists.
The Master by Colm Toibin
The Sellout by Paul Beatty
My Struggle by Karl Ove Knausgaard
Moonglow by Michael Chabon
The Cartel by Don Winslow
Moscow Yankee by Myra Page
Screaming with the Cannibals by Lee Maynard
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
Life in the Iron Mills by Rebecca Harding Davis with a biographical interpretation by Tillie Olsen
U.S.A. Trilogy by John Dos Passos
In the Woods by Tana French
The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon
Something by Nelson Algren
The Master by Colm Toibin
The Sellout by Paul Beatty
My Struggle by Karl Ove Knausgaard
Moonglow by Michael Chabon
The Cartel by Don Winslow
Moscow Yankee by Myra Page
Screaming with the Cannibals by Lee Maynard
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
Life in the Iron Mills by Rebecca Harding Davis with a biographical interpretation by Tillie Olsen
U.S.A. Trilogy by John Dos Passos
In the Woods by Tana French
The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon
Something by Nelson Algren
K.M. Zahrt
The idea for my most recent book, Odd Man Outlaw, came from a summer job I had after college, working as a security guard.
K.M. Zahrt
I don't think inspired is the right word. It's work, really. The question should be: Why did you choose this line of work? Then, my answer would be: Hell if I know.
K.M. Zahrt
I'm currently working my second novel as well as short stories for a new collection. On the novel, I'm almost ready to transition from first draft to second draft, which is an exciting, energizing place to be. For the story collection, the thematic thread has finally emerged. Some of the selections have already been published. Another is forthcoming shortly. Others are in progress.
K.M. Zahrt
Read and write. Read writing. Read about writing. Write. Write about writing. Keep doing that, and you can remove "aspiring" from your vocabulary.
K.M. Zahrt
The best thing about being a writer is when you produce a piece that works, that provokes a response from readers. Whenever the reader connects with the work, that's the best thing, whether it's joy, sadness, humor, or even disgust.
K.M. Zahrt
I don't believe in writer's block. Effort and persistence are more useful tools for a writer than talent. The writer needs to keep putting words down, forging steadily ahead, until a clear picture starts to emerge. Then, it's time to hone and shape. That takes dedication more than inspiration.
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