Joe R. Lansdale

answers the Usual Questions

Joe R. Lansdale

American writer Joe R. Lansdale is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science.

Has your interaction with fans, for example, at conventions, affected your work?

Well, the short answer is no. I mean their enthusiasm certain helps you feel good about doing it, but I try to avoid anything that has to do with opinions. Meaning if I hear them, I try not to pay attention to them. I write for me. I wrote like everyone I know is dead in fear I might start writing for others. I write for me, then when finished, hope like hell readers like it. Most important to me is me liking it.

Is there any particular incident (a letter, a meeting, a comment that stands out?

There are so many, but mostly letters where I was told my work got someone through a rough patch, sometimes very rough. A few on how it changed their lives. A number of writers who were influenced by it, and even readers who were not readers before reading something of mine and became hooked on reading.

Do you have a favourite author or book (or writer or film or series) that has influenced you or that you return to?

I have several. I love the novel To Kill A Mockingbird. Read it several times. Flannery O'Conner is an influence. Twain I find myself returning to constantly. He knew stuff. Funny stuff and serious stuff. I became a writer because of Edgar Rice Burroughs. He really excited my youthful imagination, so I have to give him credit for that. Before him, it was comic books. They led to me reading all manner of stuff.

Who is the person you would most like to be trapped in a lift with? or a spaceship?

I don't want to be trapped anywhere with anyone, because I know at some point cannibalism will occur.

Who is the person you would most DISlike to be trapped in a lift with? Or a spaceship?

no answer

What would you pack for space? (Is there a food, beverage, book, teddy bear, etc that you couldn't do without?)

Extra oxygen.

What is the most important thing you would like to get/achieve from your work?

I'm getting it. I like my life. I like being paid for writing. It was my dream to do this as a child, and now I am. How many people have their dreams come true?

What is the special satisfaction of your work?

The work itself.

submitted by Joe R. Lansdale

13 August 2014

For other answers to The Usual Questions Click here

Just the facts:
Born: 10/28/51, Gladewater, Texas.
Resides: U.S.A.
Bibliography/Awards:
Edgar Award, 9 Bram Stokers, one being Lifetime Achievement Award. Grinzane Cavour Prize for Literature. Herodotus Award for best Crime Historical. Ink Pot Award, Golden Lion Award, numerous others.

Web site:
www.joerlansdale.com
Facebook Fan page.

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