asking authors questions

Interviewer: How many drafts of a story do you do?

S.J. Perelman: Thirty-seven. I once tried doing thirty-three, but something was lacking, a certain--how shall I say?--je ne sais quoi. On another occasion, I tried forty-two versions, but the final effect was too lapidary--you know what I mean, Jack? What the hell are you trying to extort--my trade secrets?

"Why do people always expect authors to answer questions? I am an author because I want to ask questions. If I had answers I'd be a politician."
- Eugene Ionesco

Just an offering of humor from someone that lives for a good author interview. My favorite series is Writers on Writing: Collected Essays from The New York Times.

Thought for the Day

"Why do people always expect authors to answer questions? I am an author because I want to ask questions. If I had answers I'd be a politician." - Eugene Ionesco