"Donnybrook," by Frank Bill
Jeff Glor talks to Frank Bill about "Donnybrook."
Jeff Glor: What inspired you to write the book?
Frank Bill: I started writing "Donnybrook" during the downturn of the economy. I wanted to write a book that shined a bright light on the working and struggling class of the heartland, like war vets, factory workers and crystal meth cooks. But I wanted to do that with an active narrative and an attention to voice and language, by showing the masculine identities of struggling class men who do what they need to do in order to survive.
JG: What surprised you the most during the writing process?
FB: Time and how quickly it passes when you're lost in your storyline.
JG: What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?
FB: Well I still work a day job in a factory. Writing at 3:30 a.m. until 6:30 a.m. and then heading into work. I can't see myself doing anything else other than maybe teaching Chinese martial arts as the training requires the same amount of dedication if you want to be great at it.
JG: What else are you reading right now?
FB: I normally start several books at once. I'm finishing up "The Devil in Silver" by Victor LaValle and "Crapalachia" by Scott McClanahan. And I'm just starting on two new books, "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Ron Rash" and "Detroit: An American Autopsy" by Charlie LeDuff.
JG: What's next for you?
FB: The follow up to Donnybrook, "The Salvaged and the Savage."
For more on "Donnybrook," visit the Macmillan website
