Hearing Richard Ford Read

Night Driving 19
Originally uploaded by Poundstone.

Every time I hear Richard Ford read it’s a memorable and enriching experience. His last reading at Powell’s downtown was no exception. Here are some of his words and thoughts. Oh, and his wardrobe is always exciting too. Last time he was wearing crazy socks. This time, the collar of a royal purple shirt peeked out over the round neck of his Kelly green cotton sweater.

“At 62 I thought I was going to get all the way to death without glasses.”

Start of a thought on the presidential election of 2000, the time period in which his new book Lay of the Land is set: “In 2000, which eventuated into the shitmess we have now…”

About the novel as a concept: “In its plodding, persistent way, it can make magic.”

On why to read: “[Through literature] we renew our sensuous and emotional life, and learn a new awareness”

How he keeps writing: “There’s a ruthlessness. No, I’m going to do this, and not do this.”

Advice for writers: “Take it seriously. Be lucky. Tell yourself, ‘I’m doing what Chekov did. I’m doing what Flaubert did.’ Write about the most important thing you know.”

Most memorable and helpful criticism, from Walter Clemens, book critic for Newsweek: “You have a great sense of humor. This book partakes of none of it.” The lesson he took from it, and passed along to other writers: “Invent books that draw more on your character.”

Knowing his writing methodology could be useful for others, so they know “how one person did one thing.”

His methodology: Spend a year collecting material; put everything in a notebook (usually around 250-300 pages typed). The notebook is divided into sections for characters, places, etc. For his new book, there was a section on Frank, Ann, New Jersey, real estate, etc. Once all the pages are organized, read through the notebook and try to find the book. Some passes are all about finding the theme. He may go back to the notebook two or three times a day and re-read every word.