Jami Attenberg
Jami Attenberg
area chicago chinese family food grow household loved
I actually didn't grow up in a household that loved Chinese food particularly, and it's not really my go-to food or anything... We were more a pizza family, being from the Chicago area and all.
bookstores clearly dig friendly love people totally upfront work
It should be said upfront that I totally dig people who work in bookstores and libraries. They love books, and I love books, and that is all I really need to know. If they are friendly to me, then we are clearly soul mates.
nearly
I think it's nearly impossible to write something fictional without having it be about yourself in some way or another.
buffalo community distinct growing jewish memories small
I have very distinct memories about growing up as part of what was then a very small Jewish community in Buffalo Grove, IL.
color hide
For years I'd thought my color was black: deep, dark, thoughtful, mysterious. Black, you can hide behind. But now I know it is red.
anywhere near
I won't go anywhere near the new Times Square. It's seizure-inducing.
dozen drove forth
For years I drove cross-country, back and forth a dozen times, sometimes on book tour, sometimes just to get lost and found.
although check floor morning next sleeps wake
I check my phone first thing when I wake up in the morning. I usually take it up with me to bed so it's on the floor next to the bed, although not actually in bed with me, because I really do not want to be the person who sleeps with their phone.
afraid certain emotional fresh perspective tackling topic truth understanding worth writer
I don't think there's any topic a writer should feel afraid of tackling just because it has already been discussed. If you feel you have a fresh perspective and an understanding of a certain emotional truth, it's always worth writing.
conscious generous work
As creative people, we should be really conscious of being of service in our work, being as generous as we can.
busy
Do you often find yourself uttering the phrase, 'I feel like I should go?' You do not need to go. You are busy that night. You are busy every night, forever.
instant stories
I feel a bigger sense of fulfillment when writing a novel, and short stories are more about instant gratification.
decline
Sadly, e-mail has triggered the decline of the handwritten note; I have seen its near-disappearance in my lifetime.
age branded early either people shake sort
People are branded as either 'fat' or 'skinny' from an early age. You sort of never shake it, even if you end up losing weight.