The Art of Nonfiction

The Art of Nonfiction

I recently cam across this interview with the great creative nonfiction writer Gay Talese. He talks about his way of writing, and his typical “day at the office,” which is more typical than you would think. He gets dressed as if he is going to the office, including the tie–even though the office is in the basement.

TALESE
Yes. I dress as if I’m going to an office in midtown or on Wall Street or at a law firm, even though what I am really doing is going downstairs to my bunker. In the bunker there’s a little refrigerator, and I have orange juice and muffins and coffee. Then I change my clothes.

INTERVIEWER
Again?

TALESE
That’s right. I have an ascot and sweaters. I have a scarf.