Mister Write

Why is it that so many fiction writers who 'burst' on the scene have such bizarre personal stories? Perhaps the fiction really lies in their histories. Or maybe perception is just reality. Take Reif Larsen, for example. His debut novel, an illustrated story about a cowboy's son, reportedly earned a near-million-dollar advance. Besides attending a "progressive" school where he apparently didn't have to learn how to spell, Larsen has more recently produced a tour of Botswanan marimba players. See what I mean? Actually, there's no way he's making that up.

Since my life is normal by comparison, I'm beginning to think I need to fabricate a tortured past for my literary pursuits. Perhaps I'll even use a nom de plume to protect the innocent. Besides, a messed-up childhood makes for a much better (and more lucrative) memoir. So, I'm going to have to get creative about my past. Either that or I'm moving to NYC. That way I'm guaranteed some bizarre life-altering experiences to enhance my writing. Or I'll just go broke first.