Big Think Interview with John Irving | Big Think

[@bigthink]

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[@StratsRUs]

I love the way you can just lose yrself in his pages.And as you admire the tapestry he is able to weave, you discover his magical brand of humour too , that simultaneously hits you.

[@ninaurbex]

I would think one of the greatest aspects of being a writer of his stature is finally getting to a place where he can choose who he wants to work with. When you're a journalist or new writer, someone else always has control of your writing. If you work a normal job, your manager controls your schedule. But at Mr. Irving's level, he can choose which director to work with on Cider House Rules. That, in and of itself, is the dream--in my opinion.

[@cheeverbeaver]

I couldnt agree more. I think that, for writers like Irving, they are protective of their work. so when it's being adaptated, they might turn down a bigger money offer (pure speculation on my work) in order to work with the perfect collaborator.

[@mackfarlainethebarenakedau5113]

I'm lucky to do somehwere between 90-120 mins worth of writing, and not every day. Sometimes not for days at a time. Being a single father, working man, the research, and every other kind of variable you can imagine, that hour and a half to two hours is a gift from God. And the magic always happens in the rewriting.

[@seanp.kilroy6833]

Simmul•Tann•aye•yus. I'm glad I'm not the only one who does that sort of thing.

[@izhan6991]

you spoiled it john!!!

[@mariana26021]

natural warrior ! so right

[@vitaluz605]

The books depict real stories of people and gives impact in understanding of life. A prayer for Owen, is the best book I think

[@AlexHunter235]

I'm really sorry to say this, but I haven't a clue who John Irving is. But I wanted to point out that his answer to the bears question, as an outsider, is hilarious. "I live where there are bears, I see bears. The bear I saw most recently was swimming... I've just kind of been around them. I'm aware that they're there." Like, what?? I don't trust this man at all. He, and the bears, are up to some serious shenanigans. Sounds like his wife and kids are in on it too.🤔

[@liammcooper]

Not for nothing, but John Irving looks like an Austrian bear. Or at least my platonic ideal Austrian bear turned into elderly man.

[@CommieGobeldygook]

America's greatest living writer now that Cormac has passed

[@huddrr]

Thanks, Mr. Irving. So ordinary, I think, the face we see. And such mystery behind.

[@kanojo1969]

'A Prayer For Owen Meany' was the first book I read where I actually got the subtext and allegory without having to read criticism first. I was only 12 or 13 but that moment has stuck with me for a long, long time. Almost unbelievably I haven't read any of his other books.

[@andreabrozek2585]

I read GARP first, but OWEN MEANY is my favorite. I love all of his books, though SETTING FREE THE BEARS was my least favorite. His books are all mind movies for me.

[@bluesiesangel]

what an awesome interview. repeatedly I forced back my hand since I tried to like the video again and again...(now I'm not even sure if I accidentally un-liked it..but I'll see to it) Thank you, Mr. Irving. And thank you, bigthink.

[@wanjooalexkim]

Fascinating stuff. Lucid!

[@banksmc311]

He writes all his books out longhand? Dang! I heard, too, that David Foster Wallace wrote his work longhand before typing it up, and that his book Infinite Jest was written in this way. Can you imagine?

[@Nautilus1972]

But it's the most natural way of writing. There were only typewriters when he was younger, and they're horrible.

[@mackfarlainethebarenakedau5113]

I like typewriters. I like them so much more than computers. EDIT: I'm using an AlphaSmart now, too.

[@Nautilus1972]

Garp is one of the great films. Wonderful cast.

[@noviceprepper53]

love this guy

[@mariana26021]

For sure, English is not meant to be an oral language as much as a written language.

[@Foucault42a]

His attitudes are haywire so his scribbling is of no consequence.

[@Smoochy44]

What on Earth are you on about? His scribbling is of no consequence? Have you been paying attention to American literature over the past 40 years?

[@bluemanunit]

Ramblings of a mad man.

[@MonerLaine]

American literature. Yes, because everyone in the world is American.

[@rjmoney9]

@@MonerLaine America is the largest and most influential book market in the world.