August 4, 2011

An Interview with Gary Lutz

The Fiddleback: You are often noted for your ability to create marvelous first sentences. What, in your mind, makes for a good inaugural sentence?

GL: It has to sound as if it has never been said before and could have been said only by whoever is saying it. It has to sound as if there is nothing else for that person to do with what’s left of life except getting that one thing finally said.

I love Gary Lutz. I love first sentences.

(thanks, Derek)

posted by in aesthetics, books, how to, interviews | * | 4 comments 

comments

  1. Daryl Scroggins on August 4th, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    Oh! Yes. This matches my view of the essential quality needed in a first sentence.

  2. Daryl Scroggins on August 4th, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    P.S. I love this comment about Gordon: “Those who vilify him were most likely offended by his refusal to dispense unmerited praise.”

  3. Deron Bauman on August 4th, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    Daryl I backspaced out of about three quotes while I was reading the interview (not sure why). The Lish quote was one of them.

  4. Derek White on August 6th, 2011 at 3:22 am

    Thx Deron. Just sent his new book to the printer a few days ago, stay tuned…

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