Virtual Memories Show:
Bruce Jay Friedman Bonus Episode
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More
“Most stories begin with ‘you can’t do THAT,’ but then you think, ‘I’m not gonna get arrested; let me try it.'”
“I’m always in the middle of a struggle with a short story. You’d think I’d have the hang of it by now. It’s a slippery animal.”
“We think courage is what happens on the battlefield, but I think it’s a necessary ingredient to do really good writing.”
“Hollywood to me was fun. Like a boy being let loose in a candy store. I was offended when I’d get called in off the tennis court to write a few scenes. I can tell you: there is no one who had more fun than I did in Hollywood.”
After a long decline, legendary author Bruce Jay Friedman died on June 3, 2020, at the age of 90. He was the first pantheon-level writer I ever recorded with, and his work means the world to me, so please join me as we celebrate his life and work by revisiting our February 2014 conversation. I’ve recorded a brief new introduction and remastered the audio. (The conversation starts at 6:55.) Give it a listen! And go read Bruce’s short fiction, his memoir, and all his novels!
Enjoy the conversation! Then check out the archives for more great episodes
Lots of ways to follow The Virtual Memories Show! iTunes, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TuneIn, Tumblr, and RSS!
About our Guest
Novelist, playwright, short story writer and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Bruce Jay Friedman was born in New York City. Friedman published his first novel Stern in 1962 and established himself as a writer and playwright, most famously known for his off-Broadway hit Steambath (1973) (TV) and his 1978 novel The Lonely Guy’s Book of Life. In addition to short stories and plays, Friedman has also published another seven novels, and has written numerous screenplays, including the Oscar-nominated Splash (1984). Until his death on June 3, 2020, he resided in New York City with his second wife, educator Patricia J. O’Donohue.
Credits: This episode’s music is Fella by Hal Mayforth, used with permission from the artist. The conversation was recorded at Bruce’s home in New York City on a pair of Blue enCORE 200 Microphones
