David Rakoff: Why I Write (And Why It Only Gets Harder)

When I read David Rakoff's latest book, Half Empty, perhaps no passage stood out quite like the author's description of a typical day's writing. Suffice to say, it's not a vocational endorsement that MFA programs will be citing in promotional brochures anytime soon.

A month or so later, during Wordstock, Rakoff sat down to talk. My first question arose naturally enough: Why do you write?

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[Josh White]

Miss you already, David Rakoff. 

[TheSlySpoonyBard]

So much truth I can't even stand it.

[HanukkaStatham]

Pardon the hyperbole, but this is the absolute truest thing I've ever heard said on writing.

[Ghetto Cat]

This is inspiring! It's true, you have to force yourself to grind out a shitty draft, "reverse engineer something edible from rotten, stinky, slimy, moldy food." Thank you, Tina Fey, for directing people to such a remarkable, transcended individual and his body of works. Since I just fell in love with this guy months after he's dead, does that make me a necrophiliac?

[raw2franchise]

Eh, as an "aspiring writer", I strongly disagree. What do you want him to say? "It gets easier. Writing is simple. Don't give up. You can do it!"

[Steven Farmer]

Sorry to hear about this this morning.

[MrRoughone]

Great interview with a wonderfully creative man. He will be missed.

[n Garcia]

Your writing meant so much to me, David. I'm going to miss your unique wit. Good luck on your next journey. You are already so missed by fans like me.