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Meet the Author: Dave Barry
Dave Barry is a humor columnist. For 25 years he was a syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad. In 1988 he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. He has also written a total of 30 books. His latest book is Escape from the Carnivale: A Never Land book written with Ridley Pearson. Dave plays lead guitar in a literary rock band called the Rock Bottom Remainders, (whose other members include Stephen King, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson and Mitch Albom. They are not musically skilled, but they are extremely loud. Dave lives in Miami, Florida, with his wife, Michelle, a sportswriter. He has a son, Rob, and a daughter, Sophie, neither of whom thinks he's funny.
Q&A with Dave Barry
Q: You and Ridley Pearson are collaborating on a series that started with Peter and the Star Catchers, a prequel to Peter Pan. Where did you get the idea for the novel?
A: The idea came from Ridley's daughter, Paige. When she was 5, Ridley was reading Peter Pan to her, and she asked him how Peter Pan knew Captain Hook in the first place. Ridley, who is always thinking, thought: "Hey! Prequel!"
Q: What was the collaborative process like?
A: First we outline together (this is another one of Ridley's ideas --
actually knowing what the book will be about before you start writing). Then we assign ourselves chapters according to who the main characters in that chapter are. You write your chapter and email it to the other guy; he edits it and sends it back. Sometimes a chapter will go back and forth five or six times before we're both happy.
Q: How many books will be in the series?
A: There will be three big books altogether; we're writing the third now.
We've also written two smaller books for younger readers; there will
probably be more of those.
Q: You are taking a break from doing your column. You do have a blog. Do
you think blogs will eventually take the place of editorial columns? What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of both blogs and newspaper columns?
A: Columns are generally more disciplined; blogs are generally more
immediate, and allow for more interaction between the blogger and the readers. I don't think blogs will replace columns, but I do think columnists will have to adjust to the idea that readers, more and more, want to participate in the process.
Q: What was the inspiration for your forthcoming novel, The Shepherd, The Angel and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog?
A: It's an idea that's been kicking around in my brain for a while -- to
tell a funny story that evokes the Christmases in my youth.
Q: Do you have a favorite book or author? What kinds of books do you read for enjoyment?
A: My favorite author is Robert Benchley. Lately for enjoyment I've been reading history, most recently Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone past or present, who would it be and why?
A: Bill Gates, because he would probably pay.
Q: Besides writing, what are some of the other passions in your life?
A: I love to travel with my family. I also love to play music, and I'm in a
band. Unfortunately the music we play is terrible. But I still love it.
Interview Date: March 2007
Profile and questions compiled by Megan M., Main Library
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