Post by Dante on Jan 2, 2010 15:40:47 GMT -5
‘Snicket’ author finds inspiration at beach, in poetry
www.sfexaminer.com/entertainment/Snicket-author-finds-inspiration-at-beach-in-poetry-80384967.html
By: Lisa Geduldig
Special to The Examiner
January 3, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO — Daniel Handler, a native San Franciscan, is best known as the author of the popular children’s book collection "A Series of Unfortunate Events," penned under the name Lemony Snicket. The married father tells us who he depends on, who inspires him and how a breath mint should never be refused.
Who has had the biggest impression on you in your life?
Sun Ra, the jazz pianist. Well, I never met him personally, but his music has had a deep structural and philosophical influence on my work. He combines joyous freedom with respect for tradition, and works a lot and dresses in spiffy costumes — which I don’t do.
Is there a golden rule by which you live?
Oh, sure: always bring a book, never refuse a breath mint.
Where or to whom do you turn to in tough times?
To my charming wife.
Where do you find inspiration?
Ocean Beach and [the poet] Elizabeth Bishop.
Is there something about you that people would find surprising?
[Laughs.] You should ask them probably. That I watch an awful lot of "Law and Order." I don’t know if people would be surprised by that.
What would you most want to hear your colleagues say about you?
I try not to think about what people say about me. I would feel most comfortable if my colleagues discussed other matters when I wasn’t around. There’s probably enough discussion of me when I’m there.
What would happen if you didn’t write?
I think I would become even crankier than I am normally.
How old were you when you wrote your first story that you thought was good?
I’m not sure that’s happened yet. I look upon all of my work with varying degrees of disappointment and despair.
Did you ever think writing would be your career?
I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but I never thought I would make a living out of it. So I guess it depends on your definition of "career."
Do you prefer writing for kids or adults?
It feels like the same thing to me. It’s just me alone with a legal pad trying to tell an interesting story in an interesting way. If you see me doing this in public, order me a refill.
How do you see your role in the world?
Insignificant and hopefully harmless.
Anything new coming up, writing-wise?
I’m working on my first play for the Royal Shakespeare Co. It’s a musical with Stephin Merritt. And I’m starting a new series for children, but I’m at the point that it’s a twinkle in someone else’s eye.
www.sfexaminer.com/entertainment/Snicket-author-finds-inspiration-at-beach-in-poetry-80384967.html
By: Lisa Geduldig
Special to The Examiner
January 3, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO — Daniel Handler, a native San Franciscan, is best known as the author of the popular children’s book collection "A Series of Unfortunate Events," penned under the name Lemony Snicket. The married father tells us who he depends on, who inspires him and how a breath mint should never be refused.
Who has had the biggest impression on you in your life?
Sun Ra, the jazz pianist. Well, I never met him personally, but his music has had a deep structural and philosophical influence on my work. He combines joyous freedom with respect for tradition, and works a lot and dresses in spiffy costumes — which I don’t do.
Is there a golden rule by which you live?
Oh, sure: always bring a book, never refuse a breath mint.
Where or to whom do you turn to in tough times?
To my charming wife.
Where do you find inspiration?
Ocean Beach and [the poet] Elizabeth Bishop.
Is there something about you that people would find surprising?
[Laughs.] You should ask them probably. That I watch an awful lot of "Law and Order." I don’t know if people would be surprised by that.
What would you most want to hear your colleagues say about you?
I try not to think about what people say about me. I would feel most comfortable if my colleagues discussed other matters when I wasn’t around. There’s probably enough discussion of me when I’m there.
What would happen if you didn’t write?
I think I would become even crankier than I am normally.
How old were you when you wrote your first story that you thought was good?
I’m not sure that’s happened yet. I look upon all of my work with varying degrees of disappointment and despair.
Did you ever think writing would be your career?
I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but I never thought I would make a living out of it. So I guess it depends on your definition of "career."
Do you prefer writing for kids or adults?
It feels like the same thing to me. It’s just me alone with a legal pad trying to tell an interesting story in an interesting way. If you see me doing this in public, order me a refill.
How do you see your role in the world?
Insignificant and hopefully harmless.
Anything new coming up, writing-wise?
I’m working on my first play for the Royal Shakespeare Co. It’s a musical with Stephin Merritt. And I’m starting a new series for children, but I’m at the point that it’s a twinkle in someone else’s eye.
