Comments for The Works of Stewart O'Nan

Comment on Photos from McNally Jackson by The Bat Segundo Show: Stewart O’Nan II

The Bat Segundo Show: Stewart O’Nan II — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:16:28 +0000

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Comment on Photos from McNally Jackson by Stewart O’Nan II (BSS #454) : The Bat Segundo Show

Stewart O’Nan II (BSS #454) : The Bat Segundo Show — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:13:28 +0000

[...] credit: Here) Posted In: Fiction on May 3, 2012 Comments [...]

Comment on At Cornell: The Stewart O’Nan Papers, 1987-2009 by Amy

Amy — Wed, 02 May 2012 23:08:52 +0000

As an archivist, I can say that I am envious of whatever archivist at Cornell gets the pleasure of cataloging your papers!

Comment on Timeline by Suzanne Lawler

Suzanne Lawler — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:22:24 +0000

I am a widow of five years and found “Emily Alone” to be so real that it was like Mr. O’Nan was reading my deepest thoughts. Where does this insight come from? He knows what a 67 year old widow is feeling as she looks back and questions life and death.

Comment on Bio by SANDRA GUSTAFSON

SANDRA GUSTAFSON — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:38:59 +0000

Hello Mr. O’Nan,
After listening to an interview you did with Nancy Pearl, I looked into getting some of your work. I read a lot of short stories so I first chose “In the Walled City”. After reading the descriptions of several of your novels, I knew I had to get “Wish You Were Here”! I have lived on the shores of Chautauqua Lake all my life. When I have read these, I expect to follow with the sequel, “Emily Alone” and your other novel that is “local” for me, “The Odds”. I admire your work.
Sandra Gustafson

Comment on Emily, Alone by Susan Willard

Susan Willard — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 03:30:42 +0000

Mr. O’Nan – THANK YOU for this novel set in Pittsburgh. I was born and raised in Western PA and graduated from Chatham College. I spent 4 wonderful college years prowling the streets of Oakland, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill and East Liberty. You have provided me with so many happy memories of that time with this novel.
As a child, our biggest holiday treat was the car trip into downtown Pittsburgh to see the animated windows at Horne’s and to have lunch in the tea room there (dating myself now). And school field trips always included Phipps Conservatory in the Spring.
The novel itself is very moving and thought-provoking, but the references to so much of my heritage makes it extra-special for me.
Sincerely,
Susan Willard

Comment on Bio by Ross Coyle

Ross Coyle — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:53:35 +0000

Hi Stewart, I’m a student of Peter Laufer, who’s class interviewed you about Last Night at the Lobster. I was in Thailand at the time, so I listened to the recording a few weeks later. I have a few follow up questions for you after the interview, which was a lot of fun to listen to.

1) How did you want to use the characters emotional states to relate to the development of the story and setting? I.E. hope, frustration, joy, anger, despair.
2) One of the things that I loved about the book was your ability to squeeze emotion and detail into inanimate objects, such as the Swordfish or the snow blower/icer/etc. What’s a tip for doing this in writing?
3) How many people did you interview for each character? Are they amalgamations of several people or are they the personalities of people you know personally?

Comment on Emily, Alone by Misha

Misha — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:07:53 +0000

Hello Stewart, Mark Kozelek’s song “Ruth Marie” reminds me a bit of Emily (although clearly, Ruth Marie can no longer drive!):

Comment on Bio by Lori Cowee

Lori Cowee — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:55:05 +0000

Hi Mr. O’Nan,
I just finished reading The Odds (previously just completed Emily, Alone) and once again could not put down either book and had to read both tomes in one sitting.
And, once again; did not want either story to end.
Thank you for creating such wonderful and unique reading experiences for myself and your many fans.
I wish you continued success and look forward to immersing myself in your next novel.
P.S. I would love to see you and Mr. King collaborate on another book…..

Comment on Appearances by Lillian

Lillian — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:47:10 +0000

Hello Stewart,
Your interview with Nancy Pearl here i Seattle was so great. I can’t wait to watch it again in order to take notes this time. I was fascinated with your writing process, how you approach your characters and the narrative. Wishing you could come to our monthly genre meeting where we discuss the four portals into a novel: story, character, setting and language. You are a master at all four. I enjoyed your reading at Seattle Public Library as well. It was wonderful to meet you. Looking forward to seeing you in P-burgh.
All the best,
Lillian Dabney