Key Insights
Why did Richard Price feel that screenwriting saved his life?
Price felt lost after his first four novels, which were self-referential. Screenwriting forced him to learn new subjects and interact with different worlds, expanding his knowledge and giving him a sense of purpose. It also provided financial stability and personal growth, including marriage and fatherhood.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect Richard Price's writing process?
The pandemic prevented Price from going out and interacting with people, which he relies on for his writing. This lack of interaction made it difficult for him to gather the real-life experiences and dialogues that inform his fiction.
What is the significance of the title 'Lazarus Man' in Richard Price's novel?
The title refers to a character who survives being buried in the rubble of a collapsed building for 36 hours, symbolizing a miraculous second chance at life and the theme of finding new purpose after near-death experiences.
How does Richard Price approach writing about characters from different racial and ethnic backgrounds?
Price aims to create fully three-dimensional characters, regardless of their race or ethnicity. He believes that writing to stereotypes is unacceptable and that his responsibility is to portray each character as a human being with depth and complexity.
What is the significance of the character Anthony Carter in Richard Price's novel 'Lazarus Man'?
Anthony Carter is a central character who, after surviving the building collapse, becomes a symbol of hope and resilience. His journey reflects themes of redemption, gratitude, and finding new meaning in life.
How does Richard Price describe his relationship with religion?
Price identifies as a humanist and did not raise his children with specific religious practices. He felt a strong connection to his Jewish identity only during moments of anti-Semitism, otherwise maintaining a secular outlook.
What role does gratitude play in Richard Price's novel 'Lazarus Man'?
Gratitude emerges as a central theme, particularly for characters who experience near-death situations. It highlights the appreciation for life and the desire to share that appreciation with others, transforming personal trauma into a message of hope.
How has fatherhood changed Richard Price?
Fatherhood has profoundly changed Price by shifting his focus from self-centeredness to caring for others. It has brought a sense of purpose and a new perspective on life, making him more tender and responsible.
Chapters
- Screenwriting forced Price out of his self-referential writing and into learning new subjects.
- The success of his screenplays provided financial stability and personal growth.
- Screenwriting expanded his knowledge and reinforced his ability to create plausible stories.
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