Diversity of voices, diversity of languages : one week of events and readings in Lyon and in the Rhône-Alpes region.
Proust-inspired interview of Nickolas Butler
What became of your childhood dreams ?
I suppose I had three childhood dreams: 1.) professional baseball player, 2.) professional football player, 3.) writer. Obviously, the first two options were even more unlikely than the third. I'm living my childhood dream, and that's the truth.
What is your greatest (or worst) addiction ?
Probably coffee. I'm a junkie. And I can't drink cheap stuff. I worked as a coffee roaster for three years, traveling to coffee farms in Central America.
What is your favourite swear word ?
Shit.
Which word do you hate most, and why ?
Entitlement. In the US, "entitlement" has become a code-word for all sorts of mean-spirited politics.
If you were a figure of speech, which one would you be ?
Personification - I like to think about old trucks, houses, and chairs as having souls.
Which side of your personality do you keep hidden at first, and why ?
Since my book was published, I've become much, much, more guarded with my personality. I prefer to be quiet and polite and watch people for a while before opening up. It's a self-defense mechanism.
What would be your ideal literary encounter (book, author, reader, etc) ?
Last September in Vincennes, I was lucky enough to get drunk with Rick Bass, who is one of my all-time literary heroes. We stayed up into the early morning talking about politics, Cormac McCarthy, and writing. That was ideal.
What guilty reading pleasure do you indulge in ?
I love comic books. Right now, I'm very much enjoying "The Manhatten Projects" by Jonathan Hickman.
Which writer will you never read ?
I don't know. I try to read everyone.
Which sound or noise do you enjoy most ?
Small creeks. Morning birds. Owls. The wind rushing through aspen trees or red pines. My children. A flock of geese flying overhead. Baseball on the radio.
How would you describe your book collection in one word ?
Overflowing.
What would your ideal epitaph be ?
I'm 35 years old. I don't want to think about my epitaph. I've got a two year old daughter and a five year old son. I've got a beautiful wife who is my best friend. I live on 16 acres of land beside a buffalo farm. Sand hill cranes, coyotes, deer, turkey, eagles, hawks, bear - all visit my land. Why would I want to think about leaving now? Ask me again in thirty years.
