Interview with author David Ebershoff

By admin, on July 4th, 2010

About David Ebershoff

David Ebershoff is the author of four books of fiction, including The Danish Girl, The Rose City, and Pasadena. His most recent novel is the international bestseller, The 19th Wife. He has won a number of awards, including the Rosenthal Foundation Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Lambda Literary Award, the Ferro-Grumley Award for excellence in gay and lesbian literature. His books have been translated into eighteen languages to critical acclaim. Two of his novels are being adapted for film and television. Ebershoff has taught creative writing at New York University and Princeton and currently teaches in the graduate writing program at Columbia University. He is an editor-at-large at Random House and lives in New York City.

To find out more about David, please visit his website at www.ebershoff.com

I was lucky enough to get David to agree to some interview questions. Here’s what he had to say:

The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

THE 19TH WIFE is about polygamy in America in the 19th century and today. It has two narratives, one about a plural wife in 19th-century Utah, the other about a young man who grew up in a polygamous community in the recent past.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

I was talking to a professor of 19th century women’s history when she mentioned someone known as the 19th Wife. I said, The 19th what? She told me a little about Ann Eliza Young, one of Brigham Young’s plural wives. I knew I needed to learn more.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My partner (also named David).

Your biggest critic?

Myself.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

Books and writing and keeping literature relevant in our twittering world. I’m a book man. Everything I do professionally – write, edit, teach – is about bringing books to the palms of readers.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

A few months ago my dog, Elektra, died of cancer. Her final months taught me a lot about patience, love, and selflessness.

More prosaically, in the past year I’ve improved my skills at Bikram yoga. I would not call myself a master, but I no longer fear passing out in class.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

When I’m done and can no longer change a word, then I allow myself to worry. I try to keep the worrying out of the writing process. Worrying can lead to self-doubt and self-censoring.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

The many, many librarians who have welcomed me into their stacks.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

My health. Without it, many of my goals, including my writing, would be out of reach.

What are you currently working on?

A new novel. I can’t say more right now. I hope you’ll ask again next year.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

For writers, read a lot and write a lot. For readers, enjoy!

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

Dead – Nathaniel Hawthorne. Through THE SCARLET LETTER he taught me that writing could be thrilling and subversive.

Living – Joyce Carol Oates. She taught me – continues to teach me – that an artist must be devoted to her words.

Thanks David!