Aimee Bender
Aimee Bender
Aimee Benderis an American novelist and short story writer, known for her surreal plots and characters...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionNovelist
Date of Birth28 June 1969
CountryUnited States of America
connected good people solid
I really like feeling connected to people and feeling like I have a good, solid sense of empathy.
figured good
As a kid, I often figured it was good to be patient to a fault.
creative experience felt focusing good liked obligated programs seem totally voice writers
Some creative writing programs seem evil, but my experience at Irvine was totally the opposite, where I feel like they were really good at focusing in on each writers voice and setting. When I felt like I was obligated to write a story that was more typical, no one really liked it.
finding good information invented respond stop strict structure
I write on a very strict 2-hour-a-day schedule, and I really respond to structure and invented rules. So even if I'm finding out good information on a character, I will stop when I'm set to stop.
feel-good body language
When language is treated beautifully and interestingly, it can feel good for the body: It's nourishing; it's rejuvenating.
computer earlier failed fiction front good honest hours humbling keeps knowing teaching
I think teaching keeps me honest because if I'm up in front of a class talking about what I think is important about fiction while knowing I myself have just failed to do that hours earlier at my computer - it's a good and humbling reminder.
ask figure hours members
At readings, audience members sometimes ask if I keep writing past the two hours if I'm on a roll, but I don't. I figure that if I'm on a roll, it's partially because I know I'm about to stop.
food great love
I love food. I'm not a great cook, but I love to cook, and I like how different it is from writing.
arts love music near time trees walks
I love all the arts - so museums, theatre, music, walks near trees or by the ocean, time with people, psychological readings.
describing since sort trouble
I have trouble describing my own style, since it's sort of like describing my own eye color or something.
loves poetry suited
Granted, I'm someone who loves words. I've always loved poetry - so it's suited to me.
enjoy glad rely sell teaching
One thing I don't want to feel is marketplace pressure, so I'm really glad I enjoy teaching because I can rely on that for a salary. I think it would be such a different game if I had to write a book that has to sell well.
elementary endearing letting people taught
I noticed, when I taught elementary school, how true the squeaky wheel thing is, and how endearing squeaky wheels can be! Because when you're being a squeaky wheel, you're also really letting people know who you are.
sentence sentences sticking subtle
I find I can write for two lines, and then I have nothing else to say. For me, the only way to find something comes through the sentence level and sticking with the sentences that give a subtle feeling that there's something more to say.