Paul Theroux gives great advice to young writers on ThinkTalk

[sexytubes]

I like this guy, very honest. It takes a whole lot of honesty to be a great writer.

[eternaltruthtv]

I've traveled a lot on my own and I find it very fulfilling. I don't mind traveling in groups if it's with friends and family. But do what you feel most comfortable doing. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

[KnightsbridgeAce]

Interesting advice.

[Ricardo72]

He's a lot more intellectual than his son! hahaha.

[MrAkihiros]

@Ricardo72 There is no comparison, although I think Louis is a better journalist than Marcel.

[ThinkTalkNetworks]

@indoor10 Blasphemy! Have you ever traveled alone? It's the most eye-opening, self reflexive and inspiring experience you can have. As a traveler and a writer, Theroux nails this advice ... It's my top 5 favorite piece since starting this show, for that very reason

[indoor10]

How about if you get asked those questions after you left home? what would your answers be?. I reckon traveling in group is much more educational and resourceful than when you are on your own. so I dont see Theroux point.

[cochranexyz]

Fuck travelling in groups! Solo is the only way to go. Groups....forget it.

[molloyx]

I can think of no living novelist more under valued.

[intel8672]

jim harrison

[MrAkihiros]

@molloyx I think he's a better writer than VS Naipul by a loooong shot. Never boring, always intelligent, nasty in just the right amount. You rule Paul!

[gnoynix1]

@MrAkihiros

This is one of the most foolish remarks I've heard comparing Naipaul and Theroux. Theroux doesn't write as carefully as Naipaul. His work, I believe, will never be studied for literature, not unless, for instance, he writes like Dickens. Theroux's style is spontaneous, rambling, but Naipaul is all about precision. He writes with the same care a poet a poem. One Naipaul in my opinion is at least as good as two Therouxs.

[apexxxx10]

Bangkok  Oct 6 2009

Paul Theroux was in Bangkok today at the Neilson Hays library. " An afternoon with Paul Theroux". Ebtrance fee: 300 THB including coffee or tea and scones and fruit cake. Theraux was relaxed and witty.

He's intro: "Writers tend to hate libraries -

100 potential sales..."

And on VS Naipaul: " He always wanted more readers. I always wanted more money - or the other way around?."

John K Lindgren

Mr CarSanook!

Bangkok

[genesis2k]

paul theroux is DON

[katiegreenaway]

In a difficult situation, I once used "Rage" to my advantage.I had a boyfriend who I was begining to discover was psychopathic. I trapped this bloke in my car & told him "Rage" & how she ends up cutting the blokes nose off. That story came to my aid. Thanks Good Paul.

[Bozewani]

BTW in dark star safari he has a warped view of Malawi....

[serialxkillerx]

I will be the graytist riter the world has eva seen! lol

[ThinkTalkNetworks]

Geaux four itt!

[hippotoast]

I can verify this.

[mommyco3]

is he the one going to write the biography of michael jackson? i red about their conversation about michael's childhood that took 3 months talking and talking/chat on phone..i'm going to buy one..

[missbussy10]

good presentation I still remember: outdoors, alone and ground. I am reading at this moment Dark Star Safari. It's really developing my view on Africa and African people and writers.

[bimlala1]

"Chicago Loop" is 100% win. 0% fail.

[umbanajooos]

soa student. I read the dark star safari. it was very negative about Africa and the africans. in most places - although i do hope it is only his opinion as I hoope to work there soon. It was good to know why Charity is not working there.

[gnoynix1]

@umbanajooos

Actually, Theroux was forcing it. Naipaul had a real horror of Africa, and Theroux had a girlfriend there. 'Dark Star Safari' was probably his way of undoing what went on with him in Africa many years ago.

American writers are not known to do this kind of thing. He's done a bit for American writing in that sense. Bringing horror to Africa. But Naipaul. You ought to read what he wrote about Africa instead. You ought to know what he said of Africa (buy 'Sir Vidia's Shadow').

[gnoynix1]

Maybe you even ought to know what he has said about India and Indians ('Indians shit everywhere.') Of Canadians: 'Infies'. Of the Chinese: Epicurean. Epicurean? Has he never met Chinese vegetarians before? If every ethnic group had a 'fatwa', he would have suffered as much as Rushdie before it was lifted.

[umbanajooos]

I like Paul Theroux's writing, is he Louis's dad?

[dpg21ca]

He certainly is.

[bobzubb]

he was born in medford mass. his travel writing will transport you. Check out his latest, plus the previous: Dark Star Safari. Cheers!

[winecookie]

When did Paul Theroux lose his British accent?

[smithhedgehog]

i think its amazing that louis and his dad have similar vowel sounds and voices, if you disregard the accent of course.

[soundvisionary13]

@winecookie He is American. He moved to England when he was in his late 20's and lived there about 18 years. His two sons were raised there and they are English.

[gnoynix1]

@winecookie

I don't think he ever had a real British accent. Have you seen his interview with Charlie Rose more than 10 years back? Even then, he was speaking like an American, and, to be honest, like an American teenager.

You would never have guessed that by his writing. It was as if he was putting up a show for Charlie Rose.

[valetama]

Hey, thanks for upload this video. I feel a lot of admiration about Paul Theroux, a great author. Where was that?

Again, thnaks.