Jonathan
asked
Raymond St. Elmo:
One of the things I love about your novels is the imbedded flash fiction, for example, the student essays in Elysium, or the weird little decrypted fairy tales in The Origin of Birds. So, two questions . . . are you a fan of Donald Barthelme, by any chance, and have you ever thought about writing a collection of flash fiction stories?
Raymond St. Elmo
I like to write short things.
But I need to think about 'em first.
Talking fast or writing at speed gets me in trouble. With cops, editors, bosses, etc.
You may note that it took me 43 days to compose an answer to your question. Let's not call it flash. Call it... geological fiction.
I have not read much Barthelme. But he was director of a museum I used to visit often. I am sure I've stood next to him, maybe insulted some piece of art he chose. Also I might have used his reserved parking space.
But I need to think about 'em first.
Talking fast or writing at speed gets me in trouble. With cops, editors, bosses, etc.
You may note that it took me 43 days to compose an answer to your question. Let's not call it flash. Call it... geological fiction.
I have not read much Barthelme. But he was director of a museum I used to visit often. I am sure I've stood next to him, maybe insulted some piece of art he chose. Also I might have used his reserved parking space.
More Answered Questions
Chris Hunter
asked
Raymond St. Elmo:
Most prolific authors do not exhibit anything near your stylistic flair, command of language, and attention to detail. Indeed, you seem to be an outlier in your ability to produce multiple volumes of very refined prose in a short period of time. How have you managed to be prolific and refined at the same time? Does it have to do with working outside of the trappings of the traditional publishing industry?
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