Interview with Nellie Hermann

October, 2009

Nellie Hermann Nellie Hermann

Quick Start


SS: What is your motto or maxim?

NH: avoid mottos and maxims...


What Readers want to know...


SS: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?

NH: Australia, cabin in the woods

SS: With whom in history do you most identify?

NH: Don't know about identifying, but I admire Abe Lincoln

SS: Which living person do you most admire?

NH: My mom. But David Byrne and Barack Obama are pretty cool too

SS: If you could acquire any talent, what would it be?

NH: Dancing

SS: What trait is most noticeable about you?

NH: Curly hair

SS: Who is your favorite fictional hero?

NH: Gandalf

SS: Who is your favorite fictional villain?

NH: Gargamel

SS: What is your favorite occupation, when you’re not writing?

NH: Knitting

SS: What’s your fantasy profession?

NH: surgeon (in a world where surgeons don't work or train like they do now). Or farmer.

SS: What 3 personal qualities are most important to you?

NH: Honesty, humor, spontaneity


Questions About Books and Writing


SS: Who are your favorite authors?

NH: Bernard Malamud Marilynne Robinson Andre Dubus (the father) Lawrence Weschler Aleksandar Hemon John Williams many more

SS: What are your 5 favorite books of all time?

NH: John Williams, Stoner Bernard Malamud, The Fixer Marilynne Robinson, Home Kenzaburo Oe, A Personal Matter Jean Stafford, The Mountain Lion too hard to choose just five!

SS: Is there a book you love to reread?

NH: Watership Down was great to re-read, as was East of Eden

SS: Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?

NH: Keep Doing It. There are so many reasons to write that are beyond publication. Look to those and you'll find more stories.


General Questions


SS: What is your birthdate?

NH: 10/4

SS: What was/is your favorite job?

NH: The one I have now - writing teacher for medical students at Columbia med school

SS: Where did you go to high school and/or college?

NH: Milton Academy, Brown University

SS: Name of your favorite composer or music artist?

NH: David Byrne

SS: What is your favorite movie?

NH: Tough one. Jim Jarmusch's "Dead Man" is up there.

SS: What is your favorite television show?

NH: Six Feet Under. I also love Felicity.

Get more on Nellie Hermann at SimonandSchuster.com


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