Saturday's Derision

Russo's Toolbox Overfloweth

NY Times Book Editor Sam Tanenhaus listens to Richard Russo meander and shout in this video interview. Russo, author of the novel Empire Falls, the story collection The Whore’s Child and the film Twilight, among many others, is a Pulitzer Prize winning writer, a man who brings complexity, precision and grace to his work. But this interview practically begs for derision.

Tanenhaus offers Russo nothing more than obsequious, squinting eyes and softball questions, which Russo proceeds to slap into the bleachers. Russo discusses the merits of his novelistic powers, his influences, and teaching literature to beginners (college students), all the while rounding the bases of his literary ballpark like a heroic and satisfied slugger of yore. We respect Tanenhaus and Russo. But this interview is a piece of author aggrandizing in its basest form. You can take our word for it or head over to the NY Times where the video is playing on their Web site.

Or you can not waste your time and instead watch this video.

It is an excerpt from Russo’s speech at the 2007 state of New York Writers’ Institute — a much more informative and fulfilling commentary, with Russo delivering a measured and honest account of writing and its challenges.