With the recent release of This is How You Lose her, Junot Díaz has been on my mind!  Two of my favorite podcasts recently featured interviews with him, from very different perspectives.

KCRW Bookworm
9/17/12 episode: Junot Díaz: This is How You Lose Her
Interview by Michael Silverblatt

Download |MP3|

Junot discusses the success in his career, how being a reader impacted his writing, and then they discuss specific moments from the stories.  Look for great moments of insight about internal resistance, honesty, and self-censorship in writing.

I went back and listened to the bits about how important it is to be a reader several times.

“My career as a writer … began far earlier with my career as a reader. I think I’ve learned everything I needed to know from my reading. … My reading backs me up in ways my writing doesn’t.”

Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy
Episode 70: Junot Díaz
Interview by David Barr Kirtley

Download |MP3|

This episode discusses more of the author’s connection to the world of science fiction than the short stories themselves.  Included is a discussion of whether or not the recent New Yorker Science Fiction issue will change the world, why science fiction is more relevant to Dominicans than any other form of literature, and his own history in trying to write post-apocalyptic literature.  I was ecstatic to hear that his next novel will be post-apocalyptic!

He also discusses Caribbean science fiction and fantasy authors, mentioning Tobias Buckell and Nalo Hopkinson in particular.  He also recommends N.K. Jemisin as another “diaspora” writer worthy of reading.

Posted by Jenny Colvin