This interview features Paul Harding, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, discussing his unique approach to writing, which prioritizes observation, sensory experience, and a deep understanding of language over plot and character development. Harding explains his teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, patience, and slowing down to truly observe the world. He shares insights into his writing process, including his use of dictionaries, his thoughts on the relationship between interiority and exteriority in writing, and his belief in the power of language to create a rich and meaningful experience for the reader. The conversation also touches on his personal journey as a writer, his influences, and his advice to aspiring authors, stressing the importance of ambition, embracing one's unique style, and writing for an ideal reader.
