Growing Into Your Practice w. MICHAEL PARKER

Michael Parker

Michael Parker is the author of seven novels and three collections of stories, most recently Prairie Fever, out now from Algonquin Books. (Buy now from IndieBound.) His short fiction and nonfiction have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times Magazine, the Oxford American, Runner's World, Men's Journal, and other publications. His work has been anthologized in The O. Henry Prize Stories and The Pushcart Prize. He recently retired as the Nicholas and Nancy Vacc Distinguished Professor in the MFA Writing Program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He lives in Saxapahaw, North Carolina, and Austin, Texas.

Discussed In This Episode

Writing from old family tales and growing up with storytellers. “In order for me to get going, all I need is an image.” Knowing when stories are not finished. How many times do you have to write the book before you know what it means? Sibling relationships and the subjectivity of memory. Don’t forget to make the math of your story work. Thinking of plot as a manifestation of character desire. Trusting your readers and editors. Writing crackling dialogue. Epistolary novels. Writing outside your life experience. Leaving some mystery to your characters. Learning that it’s not going away. Growing into your writing practice.

Bonus Segment: Running, Swimming, and Writing

Michael is a former ultra-marathoner and a daily swimmer. We talk about the subconscious impact exercise has on his writing process.

Bonus segments are a Patreon exclusive and cost just $2 a month. Join Patreon here.

Some links may be affiliate. Thank you for supporting WMFA.

Thank you to WMFA patrons Ruthie Ackerman, Megan Brawley, Carrie Brown, Jack Cheng, Madison Cyr, Alice Elliott Dark, André Gallant, Nicky Gonzalez, Donna Hidock, Sarah Lauren Jaffe, Katie Karlson, Rachel Gordon Loube, Sherry Lowry, Kathryn Matlack, Grace Pickering, Giulia Pink, Trivia NYC, Brooke Ward, Marianne Worthington, Erica Veurink and Lucretia Voigt for supporting this episode. Become a patron.