Wordsmith Interview – Bill Kirby

Age 62

Hattiesburg, MS
Masters degree in English

The Writer

How long have you been writing?
Since I can remember

Do you see writing as a career?
Not hardly

What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Actually writing

The Work

Tell us about your work in Crack the Spine.
“North of Chinle.” Young man finally lets go of the everyday structure we all attempt to cling to.

Is there a main theme or message in this piece?
Security is relative.

What inspired “North of Chinle?”
Traveling the Four Corners and the miles and miles of miles and miles.

Tell us about another project you have published or are currently working on.
Two Dogs Running (tentative title). A forgotten national park, Deadwood, whale vomit, two losers who become one winner.

What inspired this work?
Two previous characters and the Four Corners.

Where/When can we find this work?
I’m working on it.

The Methods

How often do you write?
Sporadically.

Where do you write?
In a small, book-filled space.

What time of day or night makes you most productive as a writer?
Night, late night.

How do you react to editorial rejections of your work?
Fools!

How do you react when one of your submissions is accepted for publication?
I become giddy.

The Madness

What is your favorite book?
Lucky Jim

What is the greatest occupational hazard for a writer?
Fear.

Who would play you in the film of your life?
Richard Dreyfus

How many of your character have you ended up killing off?
One.

Beach or Mountains?
Mountains

Cats or Dogs?
Dogs

Pen or Pencil?
Pen