Stewart O'Nan

I've always been a big reader.

The story is always in service to the characters, and is only as long or short, or neat or ragged as it needs to be.

When I'm writing, I try to have the mask of my character on as I'm walking through the world.

I confess that I listen to my own music for my own pleasure.

I wanted to be a teacher, but I was a lousy student, one of the slowest readers. It was a tremendous struggle. But I'm lucky I had some teachers who saw something in me.

I take big risks, but I'm not reckless about it.