Getting Naked with Harry Crews - by Erik Bledsoe (Paperback)

About the Book

In these 26 interviews, novelist Harry Crews discusses writing, literary
influences, his fascination with so-called "freaks," his failed
relationships, the impact of alcohol and drugs on his life and work, and
more.

Book Synopsis

Interviews with novelist Harry Crews about his life, work, and writing craft

In these 26
interviews conducted between 1972 and 1997, novelist Harry Crews tells
the truth--about why and how he writes, about the literary influences on
his own work, about the writers he admires (or does not), about which of
his own books he likes (or does not), about his fascination with
so-called "freaks." Crews reveals the tender side under his tough-guy
image, discussing his beloved mother and his spiritual quest in a
secular world.



Crews also speaks frankly about his failed
relationships, the role that writing played in them, and his personal
struggles with alcohol and drugs and their impact on his life and work.
Those seeking insights into his work will find them in these interviews.
Those seeking to be entertained in Crewsian fashion will not be
disappointed.

From the Back Cover

In twenty-six interviews conducted between 1972 and 1997, novelist Harry Crews tells the truth -- about why and how he writes, about the literary influences on his own work, about the writers he admires (or does not), about which of his own books he likes (or does not), about his fascination with so-called freaks, and about his love of blood sports. Crews reveals the tender side under his tough-guy image, discussing his beloved mother and his spiritual quest in a secular world.

He also speaks frankly about his failed relationships, the role that writing played in them, and his personal struggles with alcohol and drugs and their impact on his life and work. Those seeking insights into his work will find them in these interviews. Those seeking to be entertained in Crewsian fashion will not be disappointed.

About the Author

Harry Crews (1935-2012) was the author of 23 books, including The
Gospel Singer, Naked in Garden Hills, This Thing Don't Lead to Heaven,
Karate Is a Thing of the Spirit, Car, The Hawk Is Dying, The Gypsy's
Curse, A Feast of Snakes, A Childhood: The Biography of a Place, Blood
and Grits, The Enthusiast, All We Need of Hell, The Knockout Artist,
Body, Scar Lover, The Mulching of America, Celebration, and Florida Frenzy.

Erik Bledsoe
is a writer and former instructor of English and American studies at
the University of Tennessee. He has published articles on southern
writers and edited a special issue of the Southern Quarterly devoted to Crews. His 1997 interview with Harry Crews from that magazine is included in this collection.