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Don Swaim Interviews

Audio Interviews with Robert B. Parker

Robert B. Parker, a leading writer of crime fiction, talks with Don Swaim in this 1984 interview. As a student, Parker studied American literature, most importantly the development of hero characters. His novels feature tight, fast moving plots. Parker writes for himself, for the aesthetics of his piece of work. Part of writing is piecing everything together and making it fit. He compares himself to a carpenter who tries to make sure all the joints are squared up. His advice to aspiring writers is to write it down and send it in. Parker's novels include: The Godwulf Manuscript, God Save the Child, Stardust, Hush Money, Double Deuce, and Valediction.

Listen to the Robert B. Parker interview with Don Swaim, 1984
(28 min. 02 sec.)

In this 1986 interview, Robert B. Parker discusses his most recent Spenser novel, Taming a Sea Horse, which is number thirteen in the best-seller series. Many writers claim they do not like to write continuously about the same character, but Parker does not get bored with his series and enjoys writing novels about his character, Spenser. He also discusses his fan club, Judas Goats, which is based out of Boston, but has members all over the country.

Listen to the Robert B. Parker interview with Don Swaim, 1986
(21 min. 58 sec.)