Tom Robbins: The Kindle Singles Interview

by Mara Altman

Over the course of a seven-hour Kindle Singles Interview at his home in rural Washington, 81-year-old Tom Robbins – whose novels “Another Roadside Attraction,” “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues,” “Still Life With Woodpecker” and “Jitterbug Perfume” have emerged as 20th century American classics – devoured salmon burgers and Rainier beers as he recounted memories of his extraordinary career, his psychedelic journeys, his hatred of creative writing programs and the reason he refuses to call his new book, “Tibetan Peach Pie,” a memoir. He also talked a fair amount about mayonnaise. The interview was conducted by Mara Altman, the author of four bestselling Kindle Singles including “Baby Steps” and “Bearded Lady.” Altman has worked as a staff writer for The Village Voice, and has also written for New York Magazine and The New York Times. In 2009, HarperCollins published Altman's first book, “Thanks For A Young Woman's Quest for an Orgasm,” which was optioned as a comedy series by HBO.Cover design by Adil Dara Kim.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2014

Reviews

[Thomas Rainwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful in depth interview with the Author of my favorite novel. (Another Roadside Attraction, his first novel.) I like that Altman asked Robbins a number of questions about his process. And mayonnaise. And writing female protagonists. And sex. And, oddly enough, poop jokes. His cheerful, naughty humor and optimism was on full display. A great companion piece to “Tibetan Peach Pie” if you are a fan……

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Read Thru

I enjoyed this long interview precisely for the topics covered, the intimate feel, and the truisms that TR speaks. I look forward to rereading this text anytime I’m missing the fact there will never be another book or just miss the positive influence Tom has played in my life.

[Terry See · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's gone but his work is still vital

This was a surprise for me to find as I am a fan of many years, years before your birth, probably. Tom Robbins' books and stories are fantastical and practical and have been great entertainment for us and me. This interview is a wonderful view of a magical person. The questions Mara Altman asked were perfect for revealing the depths and the whimsies of this master of metaphor magic. Ms Altman has produced a view of an artist enjoyable for longtime fans, new fans and future fans. Thank you Mara, it's a sweet memory.

[Kent Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Robbins is 82! Hard to believe.

Fascinating look at an extremely nimble mind that erupts every so often in comedic uniqueness. Tom Robbins' philosophies on life, the art of writing, and ways to expand closed minds are overdue in society. I suggest we open a bottle of champagne, pop a magic mushroom cap in the mouth and swill it down with bubbly to start a reassessment of our culture. This book is a must read for fans, or a starting off point for the uninitiated.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom Robbins is an interesting guy and a great writer. This is just an interview, but it has some interesting insights, and the real Tom Robbins lives up to the image one might get from his novels. I enjoyed it. It wasn't particularly moving or surprising or anything of that sort of exceptionalism.

[Becca Chopra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer, I loved this interview with one of my favorite authors. At one point, Robbins says, "I'm for writing that is going to push and expand the very definition of living." He's done that again. I can't wait to read his latest book, Tibetan Peach Pie, less a true memoir (he says they are usually a dumping ground for grievances and pain) than entertaining stories from his life.

[David Houle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Interview!!

Tom Robbins doesn’t really give many interviews. There is so much deep insight in his answers. If you have ever liked any of his books, you will enjoy this book.
Mara Altman is a great interviewer; a clear fan who is totally conversant with all of Robbins novels. Super well prepared!

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

You gotta just love Tom Robbins - or not. I do. And to date, my favorite book is about perfume!! Come to think of it, guess it's time to revisit an oldie but goodie for late summer reading on the porch. With a blanket. And a glass of wine. And a cigar.

[belva hullp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely more interesting than his books; to my taste anyway.

[Ali Chakir · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read as Tom Robbins talks about his writing methods.
I felt like I was listening to him rather than reading and he is a lot of fun.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, can't wait to read my last 2 Tom books now!

[Bob Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for TR fans

A must read interview for any Tom Robbins fans. He interviews like he writes a real eclectic wordsmith. Highly recommended.

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slippery Insights

Exactly what one would expect from TR: all the wit, all the love, all the irreverence, all the wisdom. Great interview.

[trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this man. This needed to be like three times as long as it was. He is a national treasure and most Americans don't even know it somehow.

[Debbie Bateman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently stumbled over a citation that mentioned this interview. Since I love Tom Robbins' novels and admire his writing, I was excited. I expected to find a few useful bits of advice on how to tell stories well. After all, Tom Robbins tells stories better than most. I was disappointed. Not only did he not have much advice for aspiring writers, he believes that creative writing classes and all such attempts at instruction are a waste of time. He did point out the importance of paying attention and he encourages all writers to use whatever words they need to make experiences vivid (adverbs and adjectives included). But the author as a person was not who I expected him to be. Big deal. Why should he be? I guess the problem is I liked the person I imagined him to be better. Again, big deal. And clearly my problem. I will always and forever love his work, but I don't feel inclined to find out more about his actual life.

[Thomas Tyrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of Robbin's earlier works ("Still Life with Woodpecker," "Jitterbug Perfume") still rank among my favorite novels, and this short interview reminded me why. Robbins challenges language and challenges readers, and he feels it is his duty to evoke and theirs to respond from deep within themselves. This is a nice, easy reading interview, and it's pocketed with some sterling insights, told in a humorous way -- the way any good Robbins novel would read. In two simple words ("narcissistic ego") Robbins helped me to summarize much of the frustration I've been feeling for the past few years, wondering why everything I seem to touch is dripping with "narcissistic ego" that can't help but leave residue on my hands, spirit and soul.

[Michael Jay]

He is a quite interesting man. My friend Cindy recommended him to me, and so when I saw this I figured it would be useful to learn something about the creator's side of things. I want to generate more than I consume, so maybe it in its oblique way will assist with that creativity.

[Roland Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved his view on life and his tips on writing. I would highly recommend this for fans of Robbins.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interview made me love Tom Robbins even more than I already do. I'm now ready to go back and reread everything he's written!

[john k. bisset · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robbins lives

Excellent chitchat with one of the best writers of the 20th century.
Can't wait to get my hands on Tibetan

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow this author flew beneath my radar. Obviously, I fell in love with his style from the beginning. If he can talk in paragraphs, I want to read him. Kindle Singles for the win.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invigorating!

This interview reminds me of the first time I watched Dogma or the Kill Bill's - a general reminder of everything I promised not to forget. Thanks Tom...

[Emily Alp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful peek inside the mind of a genius. I am anxious to read more and more of Tom's work. Pure music.