Ask the Author: Sheldon Lee Compton
Answered Questions (11)
Sheldon Lee Compton
Hi Karen -
A lot of different things. A lot of it comes from my memories growing up, nostalgia, if I'm being honest, which they say is cousin to scurvy (go figure). But I try not to be sentimental about what I write. If anything, I'm inspired at the thought that if I express what's in my heart to the absolute best of my abilities, the work will be both sincere and genuine. I suppose you could say I'm inspired at the thought of being honest in my work, to my characters, and to the people who might someday read my books. Thanks a bunch for connecting and asking this question.
- slc
A lot of different things. A lot of it comes from my memories growing up, nostalgia, if I'm being honest, which they say is cousin to scurvy (go figure). But I try not to be sentimental about what I write. If anything, I'm inspired at the thought that if I express what's in my heart to the absolute best of my abilities, the work will be both sincere and genuine. I suppose you could say I'm inspired at the thought of being honest in my work, to my characters, and to the people who might someday read my books. Thanks a bunch for connecting and asking this question.
- slc
Sheldon Lee Compton
I've never thought about it, but I guess I'd like to spend some time in Larry Brown's south for awhile. Being from Kentucky, I'm almost there, but not quite the way he wrote it.
Sheldon Lee Compton
Hey thanks very much Brian! I hope you like it and leave some comments here if you want.
Sheldon Lee Compton
Right now I'm working my way through Italo Calvino's work, so that'll probably take up a lot of my summer reading time. But I'm also hoping to read more of Anne Carson's work. And more poetry.
Sheldon Lee Compton
I don't have one.
Sheldon Lee Compton
I had this sixteen-year-old step-uncle who sort of tried to be a dad to me because his older brother, my step-dad, was an abusive alcoholic deadbeat. That was when I was six and seven years old. I figure I've been storing that experience all this time for this book.
Sheldon Lee Compton
I don''t really get inspired to write. I just write. But sometimes if I've just read a really good story by an author I like, I'll get more motivated to write something I like.
Sheldon Lee Compton
Finishing revisions for my novel Brown Bottle and finishing the first draft of my novella Alice and the Wendigo.
Sheldon Lee Compton
Don't ever write to make a living. That actually came from Breece D'J Pancake, but I second the motion. If it happens, then good, but don't make it what you're writing for.
Sheldon Lee Compton
Being able to entertain myself with stories I want to read but haven't found elsewhere in the world.
Sheldon Lee Compton
I just write through it. No different than if I were laying brick and my back was hurting.
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