Q&A
What are you listening to at the moment?
Soundtrack to a documentary called American Hardcore. Some Bob Dylan. Some AC/DC.
Do you like living in New York?
Most of the time. New York is an amazing city, certainly the cultural center of America, and maybe the world. There is great art, great food, great music, great people. Only things I dislike about it are the winters and certain aspects of living there as a public figure.
How do you feel about the drinking and drug culture there?
I don’t really think about it. People drink and do drugs everywhere. I don’t judge people for doing either, and I neither seek out people who drink and do drugs, nor avoid them.
How did you vote in the last election?
I voted for the guy who lost.
What are you reading at the moment?
Just read the final Harry Potter. Before that, Clockers by Richard Price. Before that, Freedomland by Richard Price. Before that Falling Man by Don DeLillo.
If you could do one thing in your life differently what would it be?
I’m fine with my life. Wouldn’t change a fucking thing.
What are you most proud of?
My wife and my daughter.
Do you consider yourself to be happy?
Yeah, I am. I have a great family, great friends, I love what I do.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
If you care about what other people think, you will always be their prisoner.
How do you feel about your work being described as inspirational?
My goal was to create literature. If the work inspires people or helps them in some way, I think it’s a beautiful thing.
Do you prefer writing books to screenplays?
Absolutely. I just wrote a film for director Tony Scott about the Hell’s Angels. It is most likely the last screenplay I will ever write. The only reason I even did it was because it was him, and I dig his work, and because I got to hang out with the Hell’s Angels. Tony was great, but usually the process is too collaborative, in a destructive, unproductive way. With books, I do what I want, how I want, and they either succeed or fail because of what I do.
What has been your worst job so far?
Worst is a relative term. Being a writer has been incredible, and at times very difficult, very trying.
How do you feel about being famous?
Fame is also a relative term. I’m really happy that I’m widely read, published in thirty-one languages, millions of books sold. The goal has always been to write books that have enough power to continue to be read long after I’m gone, to become part of history in some way. I could care less about fame in the manner of celebrity.
You made your position of AA and twelve step programmes very clear in A Million Little Pieces, do you still feel this way?
AA and the twelve steps do an immense amount of good in the world. I think they’re great. As far as applying them to my own life, or living by their tenants, I absolutely still feel the same way.
Do you think some are more susceptible to addiction than others?
Yeah, though why that is is a subject of debate. There is certainly some genetic component, but I believe there are also environmental factors.
What do you spend your money on?
Lawyers.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Art.
What do you think about the way addiction is portrayed in literature?
Sometimes really well, sometimes really bad, sometimes really silly. All depends on who is doing it.
Which contemporary writers do you admire?
Many, but Norman Mailer and Brett Easton Ellis are probably the two I most admire.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
Probably Henry Miller, or Lao Tsu.
How do you feel about your child reading your books?
When she’s old enough, and if she has any interest in reading them, I’m all for it.
Ha! Very telling answer to ‘what he spends his money on’ …
—polly (2008-02-14 17:24:23)
→ Reply to this comment
James, your writing has inspired me (as countless others) to confront some addictions. The Tao Tse Ching has been particularly inspirational, thanks to your references in AMLP. No doubt, battling these demons are a bitch. I’ve gone back and forth, but recently finding out that I am going to be a father feels like it will be the catalyst to conquer this shit for good.
What was it for you?
—Shane (2008-05-17 11:06:28)
→ Reply to this comment
Were the characters of Lilly and Leonard and everyone in the Unit in A million little pieces real? the relationship with Lilly affected me very deeply….
—Steph (2008-06-16 19:24:12)
→ Reply to this comment
I am an American living for the 20 years in China. I found BSM in a local bookstore. I had no idea that you were the same guy who caused such a controversy with Oprah until after reading BSM. I found BSM brilliant, entertaining and a down right page turner. Frankly, I do not care about what you made up or didn’t in the previous book. After discovering who you were by going to amazon to see what else you might have written, it does not change the fact that I found the writing brilliant. I read 2-3 books a week. Your style was refreshing, the information (whether accurate or not) interesting and the characters compelling. Thank you for writing BSM. I am passing this cherished copy along to friends here in Shanghai.
Charles
—Charles (2008-06-17 10:20:58)
→ Reply to this comment
I love James Frey’s style of writing….to hell with the critics, to hell with Oprah…your style is unique and refreshing…thank you for another fantastic book in Bright Shiny Morning…when is the next?
Kelly
—Kelly (2008-07-19 17:00:27)
→ Reply to this comment
When I picked up A Million Little Pieces in the shop, I didn’t realise it was a true story, let alone a memoir. By the time I realised, I was SO into it. I read it constantly for a while, heartbroken by the fact that it was truth. I can honestly say that I’ve never been so affected by a book before - I was crushed, mind-blown, devastated and sad. Then I came to the ending, and I pretty much started crying on the bus. I was absolutely devastated. All the people that surrounded James in his time of need were gone, all tragically. By this point, I felt like I knew them too. It stung. But what I feel most of all is relief that at least one person can get through all the bad and come out of it good. It gives me nothing but hope that James got through what he did and emerges as nothing short of an inspiration for people everywhere, whether they are an addict, know an addict or have never touched drugs. I feel like I know James, and that feeling feels privileged. Thank you for opening my eyes and my world.
—Rebecca (2008-08-04 11:27:32)
→ Reply to this comment
James:
You may remember me. You wrote my girlfriend, who is now my wife, when she had cancer and you told her to kick it’s ass. She did. She carried that note around with her. That’s why I wasn’t and never will be mad at you for the Oprah debauchle. She’s terrible anyway. Just wanted to say hello and tell you that Jamie and I loved loved loved the new book. Obviously, we were upset about Dylan and Maddie, but oh well. It was a brilliant read.
—Steven Woods (2008-08-18 18:33:03)
→ Reply to this comment
James:
I just got out of detox an hour ago i’d say. I spent all of my free time reading a million little pieces. I read the whole book while I was in there. I was amazed with your honesty. People need to hear more truth when it comes to addiction. I seen alot of myself in you and the actions you took while you were on drugs and alcohol. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you.
—kate (2008-08-24 20:14:46)
→ Reply to this comment
James, just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your three books. I sat down and read all three just recently and I’m sorry I waited so long. You truly are one of my favourite authors now and I wish I had have picked you up long ago. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Extraordinary……
—Tina (2008-08-26 08:53:46)
→ Reply to this comment
Hey james
Im 14 years old and I have read all your books. I have laughed, cried, dreamed all from reading your books. A milllion little pices was the first ever story I have read and the only reason I read it was because everyone else had and they all liked it. I couldnt put the book down it was my drug and i was addicted. but then it finished and I felt empty so I made my mum go and get me my friend leonard which I loved. Leonard is so funny his such a character and I didnt like him dying it made me so sad I couldnt stop crying. Then I read bright shinny morning I liked it but there were parts were I was like come on I dont really care about all this crap. and I hated maddies and dylans ending did he live or die? I love your style of writting.
keep up the good work. I need anouther book to read
—georgia (2008-08-29 11:49:13)
→ Reply to this comment
what inspired you to start writing? big fan of your books and work
—Jacob Brunette (2008-09-17 14:49:27)
→ Reply to this comment
James Frey, I love your books so much! I have read A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard. They were both amazing. Now I have started Bright Shiny Morning, and it is very interesting. However, I just wanted to say that your style of writing I absoultely love. I can never just put your books down after lik 20 or 30 pages. I have to just keep reading. They have made such an impact on me and I hope that you just keep on writing because I will keep buying all of your books
—Amylynn (2008-11-21 23:05:23)
→ Reply to this comment
thank you james for making the world a better place with your novels. all your books had a big impact on me, especially my friend leonard. thanks. i cant wait for your next book to come out.
—brad (2008-11-05 01:18:29)
→ Reply to this comment