Bruce Barcott: "If you're not reading, you're not writing"

I met Seattle author/freelancer Bruce Barcott in early 2009, following his reading at the Seattle Public Library, where he discussed his most recent book, "The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw." The story of Belize Zoo director Sharon Matola's efforts to stop a dam project that would destroy Belize's last macaw habitat, "Last Flight" was a finalist for the 2009 Washington State Book Award.

Afterward, we sat and talked about his writing life, and I've finally gotten around to piecing together this video Q&A…

Bruce's website is here, and here's the full audio podcast of his talk.

Finally, a brief plug in support of the Seattle Public Library… Book readings and author lectures have become a regular part of my work life. I've found it enormously helpful to hear other writers explain how they work, and many are happy to chat with strangers about their craft. Seattle's central library hosts regular events, often free, with some of the world's best writers. The program is a gift to writers and readers. Here's an interview I did with Colum McCann (National Book Award winner), following his visit to the library, and in a few weeks I'll post an interview I did last fall with Jonathan Evison (winner of the Washinton State Book Award, the reception for which was held at the library).