Interview with Michael DeFrancesco

RC – You discuss writing and drawing in Notebook. I assume you are the first-person character in that story.

MD – Yeah, that's definitely me. It's not really a story in any traditional sense as much as it's a collection of nostalgic anecdotes and other musings, like stuff one would write in a notebook. I like the way the story comes around full circle at the end. That's all I'm going to say about it without giving it away.

RC – Just to go back to the drawings for a moment – you recently did a book entirely of your sketches with no text.

MD – You're referring, of course, to Book of Sketches. (laughs) It's supposed to be a diversion from storytelling for both the reader and myself. It's an ongoing piece showcasing some of the sketches I've done.

RC – In addition to the commonality in some of the characters, we touched upon common themes as well. One example that stands out in my mind occurs in the first chapter of The Dog Walker, and near the end of The Room. In both stories there is a situation where a guest enters the private studio of his or her friend. In each case, they feel uncomfortable and intrusive.

MD – That's a very good observation. It's a case where I don't think I realized it until after I wrote it. Each situation seems to have created itself. It's a by-product of having characters with similar interests ending up in a similar situation. The artist's studio is a highly personal and intimate environment in both of the stories, and in real life.

RC – While we're discussing The Room, what do you think is the real reason why Alicia is having nightmares? Is it so easily explained away... well, I don't want to give away the ending to anyone who hasn't read it, but...

MD – I think I can answer your question without giving away the store. No, it's not so easily explained by the surprise ending. That's mostly a literary device to close the story, or at least give the reader a semblance of closure. Alicia is being tormented by herself. She is slowly killing herself. She all but hates the cello because it cost her her childhood. It has given her nothing but bad memories of being coaxed to play as a child. On the flip side, she enjoys playing the guitar, drawing, and painting. Again, to be honest, I didn't realize this was the case until after I wrote it. Either we write things unconsciously, or the stories write themselves. As for the latter possibility, I have heard this observation made by more than one writer.

RC – How did you come up with the ending?

MD – All I can say is that I've seen it happen more than once.

RC – Tell me about Kristina.

MD – The character or the story?

RC – Both, if you don't mind.

MD – I don't mind at all. In fact, it's rather difficult to discuss one without the other. And don't forget Nicholas.

RC – How can I forget such a charming character!