Robert Kolker Motivates Himself By Asking “What if Writing Were Fun?”

Robert Kolker, author of "The Vanishing Family," recently spoke with us about his writing process, favorite books, and advice for aspiring writers. He emphasized that his book is for anyone who has ever considered skipping to the ending of a story, including themselves. The book delves into the lives of people who can predict their future, but the consequences are dire.

To overcome writer's block, Kolker used to keep a handwritten note at his desk that read, "What if this were fun?" However, after his children teased him about it, he took it down. Despite its removal, he insists that this simple phrase can still be effective in loosening up and reducing the pressure felt when stuck in the writing process.

Kolker's writing education was significantly influenced by his early career at a weekly community newspaper in Manhattan. There, he reported on ongoing stories in real-time, often with cliffhangers. He found the narrative and human aspects of journalism captivating. One book that left a strong emotional impact on him was "The World According to Garp," which made him both laugh and cry.

Later, he found John Irving's "A Prayer for Owen Meany" equally moving, as it showcased Irving's profound understanding of the world's randomness and chaos.

When recommending books to other writers, Kolker suggests Stephen King's "On Writing" for practical advice on completing a first draft. However, he recommends pairing it with Steve Martin's "Born Standing Up," which he considers more than just a memoir. For him, it is a masterful depiction of the discipline and thoughtfulness required to elevate writing from seeming effortless to truly exceptional.