avatarJanice Harayda

Summary

Cormac McCarthy, a potential Nobel Prize in literature candidate, has had little-known interviews from the 1968–1980 period resurface, offering his succinct advice to aspiring writers.

Abstract

Cormac McCarthy, the acclaimed author known for works like "The Road" and "No Country for Old Men," is considered a strong contender for the 2022 Nobel Prize in literature, with the announcement expected on Oct. 6. Despite Salman Rushdie leading the odds, the recent discovery of McCarthy's early interviews has sparked interest. These interviews, originally published in Southern newspapers between 1968 and 1980, provide a rare glimpse into McCarthy's perspective, including his straightforward advice to budding writers: to start writing if they feel the urge to write. This advice reflects McCarthy's no-nonsense approach to the craft, emphasizing action over contemplation.

Opinions

  • McCarthy is viewed as a potential upset to Salman Rushdie for the Nobel Prize in literature.
  • The unearthed interviews are considered noteworthy, especially for featuring McCarthy's advice to writers.
  • McCarthy's approach to writing is practical, encouraging aspiring writers to begin writing immediately rather than dwelling on the idea of writing.

Cormac McCarthy is a favorite for the Nobel coming on Oct. 6. Here’s his advice to writers.

Santa Fe Institute (santafe.edu)

Cormac McCarthy’s name has been popping up on oddsmakers’ lists of favorites for the 2022 Nobel Prize in literature, though Salman Rushdie is the clear frontrunner.

Just in time for a potential upset victory over the author of The Satanic Verses, two scholars have unearthed little-known interviews with McCarthy, who won a Pulitzer for The Road and has seen his books made into films including No Country for Old Men.

First published in Southern newspapers in from 1968–1980, the articles are noteworthy partly because one includes McCarthy’s advice to would-be writers. He told the University of Tennessee Daily Beacon:

“I get letters sometimes from people who say they want to write,” he said. “I tell them, if you think you want to write, then just start writing.”

Nobel Prize
Literature
Writing
Books
Culture
Recommended from ReadMedium