Not long after I published my first book, I quickly found I was terrible at being interviewed

Not long after I published my first book, I quickly found I was terrible at being interviewed

Tom Wolfe, the iconic American author and journalist, was known for his sharp wit, keen observations, and distinctive style of writing. However, despite his success as a writer, Wolfe often struggled with being interviewed. Not long after he published his first book, Wolfe quickly found that he was terrible at being interviewed.

Wolfe's discomfort with interviews stemmed from his belief that his work should speak for itself. He was a firm believer in the power of words and felt that his writing should be able to stand on its own without the need for him to explain or defend it in interviews. This attitude often led to awkward and stilted interactions with interviewers, as Wolfe would often give short, cryptic answers or deflect questions altogether.

In addition to his reluctance to engage in self-promotion, Wolfe also struggled with the performative aspect of interviews. As a writer who preferred to work behind the scenes, the spotlight of an interview often made him uncomfortable. He was known for his introverted nature and preferred to let his writing do the talking, rather than having to put on a show for the media.

Despite his aversion to interviews, Wolfe recognized their importance in promoting his work and connecting with readers. He made an effort to improve his interview skills over the years, but he never fully embraced the process. Instead, he focused on honing his craft as a writer and letting his words speak for themselves.