Ask the Author: John Jeffire
Answered Questions (8)
John Jeffire
I'm going to get my hands on a copy of Alfred Habegger's "My Wars Are Laid Away in Books: The Life of Emily Dickinson." Much more to learn and understand about this fascinating poet.
John Jeffire
So many great couples in literature, but my all-time favorite couple is Troy and Rose from August Wilson’s play “Fences.” Not because they’re some exemplar of how to build a successful relationship, but because in them I hear so many voices I grew up hearing, most notably the voices of my own parents. I hear in Rose and Troy the fragile love they share, the doubts, the anger and anguish pushed down so hard until the seams begin to come undone. They question and battle with the pursuit of individual happiness at the expense of the union, and ultimately the answers to those questions are their undoing. But their relationship is real, and the nerves are revealed beneath their torn skin, and Wilson creates something tragically, painfully beautiful in them.
John Jeffire
Honestly, the Muse calls at the oddest times with no forewarning. I find that inspiration finds me rather than the other way around. I really don't believe I do anything to create inspiration; somehow it's sitting in my writing chair telling me to get to work.
John Jeffire
"River Rouge" was born out of the stories my late grandfather told me about working at the Ford Rouge plant. He had many great tales about life in the plant and, of course, he mentioned the bastards in the Service Department run by Harry Bennett. I felt I owed it to him to tell a story that in some way captured part of his experience in Depression-era Detroit.
John Jeffire
I have a collection of short stories I've been assembling for the past two or three years. I feel a strong sense of cohesion in these tales, as if they are all parts of a larger tale. The project is very close.
John Jeffire
It's a good excuse when the wife tells you to mow the lawn.
John Jeffire
Refuse to give up. If you truly believe in what you have to say--say it and screw everything else.
John Jeffire
It all depends. Here are some strategies:
1. Write a purposely bad draft. You might be surprised where it takes you.
2. Read some great writing. I find that going back to Levine or Carver can get me in the right mindset.
3. Do something physical. Go for a run. Take a walk. Do some laundry (I hate laundry so much it gets me back to writing quickly!). Get the endorphins moving.
1. Write a purposely bad draft. You might be surprised where it takes you.
2. Read some great writing. I find that going back to Levine or Carver can get me in the right mindset.
3. Do something physical. Go for a run. Take a walk. Do some laundry (I hate laundry so much it gets me back to writing quickly!). Get the endorphins moving.
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