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Dead Guy Interviews - Truman Capote |
I sat down recently and chatted with Truman Capote, author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood. Here’s what he had to say...
Greg - So, Truman, nice job on finishing In Cold Blood.
Truman - Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the yard and shot it.
Greg - Okay, maybe we should get off the “blood” subject, you gruesome guy you.
Truman - No one will ever know what In Cold Blood took out of me. It scraped me right down to the marrow of my bones. It nearly killed me. I think, in a way, it did kill me.
Greg - Well, something did.
Truman - You gruesome guy you.
Greg - Touche. How did you come up with the idea for In Cold Blood?
Truman - So much for getting off the “blood” subject.
Greg - Oops!
Truman - I got this idea of doing a really serious big work—it would be precisely like a novel, with a single difference: Every word of it would be true from beginning to end.
Greg - You seem to craft each sentence carefully.
Truman - Thanks. To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the inner music that words make.
Greg - What are you thoughts of Jack Kerouac writing a gazillion words each day.
Truman - (laughs) That’s not writing...it’s typing.
Greg - Really?
Truman - Yes. I believe more in the scissors than I do in the pencil.
Greg - Interesting...I’m rather fond of the Crayon myself. How has your writing success changed your life?
Truman - Fame is only good for one thing—they will cash your check in a small town.
Greg - Any last words on writing?
Truman - Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.
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“What a great presentation! Many visuals brought the "talk" to life. The students loved the spooky laughter contest and to be able to play a part from the book. Greg Trine really relates to kids!” Pam Zirion 2nd Grade Teacher, Hawthorne Elementary School
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