A Testament To Spontaneity

 “I envy those writers who outline their novels, who know where they’re going, but I find writing is a process of discovery.” – Jay McInerney

 

The author of Bright Lights, Big City, McInerney, who turns 66 tomorrow, has written 8 novels and 2 books of short stories – the first How It Ended called one of the best books of short stories by an American writer in the past 30 years.  Also noted for his writings about food and wine, he has 3 books on those topics to his credit.  

 

Friends with a number of other famous writers, he holds the interesting distinction of having one of his characters – Alison Poole – from his novel Story of My Life used as a regular character in the writings of Bret Easton Ellis, including in both the book and movie American Psycho.  Alison was one of those “emerging from the shadows” characters who became the key focus for not just one, but two writers – not to mention many, many satisfied readers.  You know you’ve had an impact on the writing world when something like that happens.

 

“The most interesting things that happen in my books,” McInerny said,  “are usually the things that arise spontaneously, the things that surprise me.”

 

 

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