 
|
||
 |
||
|
||
|
|
Interview with Percival Everett & James Kincaid, authors of A History of the African-American People [Proposed] by Strom Thurmond [as told to] Percival Everett & James Kincaid [A Novel]by Raul Deznermio 1. How did the two of you initially conceive this book, and how long did it take you to write it? Percival Everett: I woke up with the title and the idea to to actually write Thurmond's idea of the history. I mentioned it to Jim and we decided to work together. Since Jim works non-stop for days, the book didn't take very long. I'm glad it's done. The Kincaid pace is too much for me. James Kincaid: Walking down into the Grand Canyon, deeper than we realized, we were struck, simultaneously, with the sublimity of the place, which brought to mind our own insignificance, which brought to mind Strom. The book was finished, one might say, by the time we finished our ascent -- well, were rescued. 2. In the novel, the characters James Kinciad and Percival Everett agree to ghost-write Sentor Thurmond's alternative African-American history. Is this a mercenary decision? ...A spineless decision...? Percival Everett: Of course it is both. Any mercenary decision is spineless. But it is also a decision fueled by curiosity. James Kincaid: The decision to ghost-write is so complex for these extraordinarily complex characters that no one word can encompass it, that decision. The words coming closest are "noble" or "exalted." 3. The Simon & Schuster editor in the story, Martin Snell, makes a fairly rash move in agreeing to publish Strom's history book, largely in an effort to protect his own job. Are there any particular aspects of the publishing business that encouraged you to create this dilemma for Snell? Percival Everett: Ask Jim. James Kincaid: We mean no disrespect to the many excellent publishing houses, the courageous and independent editors therein, the devotion these editors have to ART, their distaste for shlock, their love of the outdoors. It's just that we have no experience with houses or people like these. 4. Did either of you have a specific inspiration for dapper, tragic Barton Wilkes? Percival Everett: Ask Jim. James Kincaid: A self-portrait. Glad you recognize his stature and fashion sense. 5. Are you concerned that the book might piss some people off? Do you have any concerns about "damage" to your professional careers? Percival Everett: Fuck people. James Kincaid: You betcha. My own career doesn't amount to much as it is, and I've always been eager to please others, at any cost. Mother said that was the best policy. 6. Your portrait of Strom Thurmond is actually quite generous. Do you think he appears more sympathetic in the book than he did in real life? Percival Everett: He would have to be. James Kincaid: I don't know about "generous" or "sympathetic." Especially "sympathetic." Sympathy is an emotion I have never felt nor inspired. Everett neither. I find Strom erotic. Everett does also. 7. I understand that bookstores in South Carolina have placed signficant orders for this book. How do you expect it will be received in that state? Percival Everett: I hope they think it's funny. James Kincaid: We hope that those who feel about Strom as we do will run, not walk, to their nearest store. As a figure of international as well as municipal importance, Strom should, we feel, excite interest and sell the book wherever hearts swell, tempers flare, and passions roar. 8. Can you cite any specific literary inspirations behind this novel? Percival Everett: Royalty checks. James Kincaid: What? 9.How would you describe the relationship between the two of you? Are you, for instance, lovers? James Kincaid: Only in the technical sense. |
