Meet James Salter

"I decided to write, or perish. It was like starting life from scratch."
James Salter is a novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter. He grew up in New York City and was a career officer and air force pilot until his mid-thirties, when the success of his first novel (The Hunters) led to a fulltime writing career. Salter's potent, lyrical prose has earned him acclaim from critics, readers, and fellow novelists. His novel A Sport and a Pastime was hailed by the New York Times as "nearly perfect as any American fiction."
In this video, Salter speaks about his unforgettable experience of taking off alone in the pursuit of writing: "You suddenly feel a pair of wings on you. . . ."

[@l.shields5013]

Salter’s work, words, are so elegant. When I first read one of his books, it was like coming home...familiar, real, worn, truthful, warm. He’s completely right: it must be written.

[@TheEllsworth8]

I've finally reached the point where I have read all of Salter's books and stories at least once. Now to reread them. I never tire of swimming in his words, and just wish there were more of them. No one has inspired me to become a fiction writer more than James Salter.

[@till507]

This video is fantastic. I can't decide if I want everyone to know about how great Salter's writing is or if I want to keep it for myself. Either way, he's incredible.

[@pigneyjerome46]

A beautiful introduction to the art and poetry of James Salter. What a writer!

[@juanpadilla3203]

a perfect 2 minutes and 47 seconds, beautiful and profound. thank you

[@barbfrmsf]

may he rest in peace thanks for sharing your talent with us

[@duxgarnifex3678]

James, thank you for sharing that thought. The only thing that exists in the end is what's been written down. Outstanding.

[@LAStreetPreacher]

Dux Garnifex-The only thing that exists in the end is what's been written down is an apparently nice and clever saying but is it true from a philosophical viewpoint? God exists and always has which boggles the mind because we think in terms of a beginning and end but God is Eternal having no beginning or end. He is outside of time and He never ages. It is true in Revelation Jesus who was God said "I am the Alpha and Omega...." but I think this means that God is the beginning of all things and the end of all things. I continue to ponder this complexity.

[@pigneyjerome46]

I've got the music (cello at the end) : Ben Siems , "When the horizon bursts"!! Splendid!

[@Brandon33akahk]

Beautiful, I love Light Years. The man has such a precise command of language, it's truly inspiring.

[@mobyvedr]

There is a full-length biographical documentary about Salter, it's called James Salter: A Sport and A Pastime. it's on DVD.

[@dancelikebardot]

Wish there was a 'love' button

[@pigneyjerome46]

Music is great in this video. Can we have the name of the composer? Thanks!