Parting the Curtains: Interviews with Southern Writers

These diverse, engaging interviews, in question-and-answer format, were conducted by Powell, a poet and journalist, for the Charlotte Observer from 1976 to 1994. While the 23 subjects encompass such well-known authors as Eudora Welty, Reynolds Price and the late Alex Haley, Powell also includes first-novelist Simmons Jones (Show Me the Way to Go Home) and cartoonist Doug Malette. The writers discuss their work habits (Shelby Foote writes with a fountain pen) and how they keep their creative juices flowing (Gail Godwin credits journal writing). William Styron talks about the severe depression that immobilized him; Pat Conroy describes the abusive childhood that inspired his novel, The Great Santini. Each interview begins with a black-and-white photo and a gracefully written introductory page by Powell. (Oct.)