Nathaniel Lande

How did you become a writer?

I became a writer at a very early age because of a speech handicap. I was a curious observer, and until I could express myself clearly, I used notes to communicate. Most first published novels are often biographical. Mine was—it was called Cricket, and thankfully received stunning reviews. That reinforcement really helped.

Later when I was head of TIME World News Service, I came to realize that every dispatch was a story unto its own. Composing and editing thousands of words each week provided an opportunity to appreciate the written word, and all that it carries. Later, I discovered writing fiction is a uniquely creative process, developing an engaging story and compelling characters, who you come to know and sometimes love.

Name your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, etc.).

Read the classics. Study authors you admire. As an exercise, copy the way they style sentences. Discover the way they put one word after another, just as an artist might copy other artists and learn the way they apply color and light to canvas.

My father was a friend and physician to Ernest Hemingway. As my father was a visiting professor to the University of Havana, I often traveled with him when I was a child. I had treasured opportunities becoming friends with ‘Papa’ at Finca Vigia, his home in San Francisco de Paula in Cuba. He took a liking to me. Spending afternoons together in his study and on in his boat the Pilar, left lasting impressions.

I’ve always appreciated Southern writers. The most influential writer was my friend and mentor, Bill Styron.

I’ve admired great story tellers; Walker Percy and Pat Conroy.

When and where do you write? 

In my library, surrounded by books on a desk that I find a perfect place.

What are you working on now?

I’m taking a bit of a break. My newest novel, WHILE THE MUSIC PLAYED, will be published May 12th. It was a long time in the making—eight years. But I’m always turning and churning ideas around in my head, sometimes months and years. If I talk too much about them, for me, it diminishes the process of committing to paper.

Have you ever suffered from writers block?

Of course.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Write. The craft of writing is re-writing. Get it down, then return, pace and polish once, twice, and then once again.

What’s your advice to new writers?

Always be mindful that the reader is your companion on a literary journey turning pages through themes and plots, conflict and resolution, life and death, twists and turns, in time and place.

I’ve met many people who are rightfully ‘subjective’ about one’s work. It’s a word that holds little respect for me, because it’s hollow. Let your vision take you as far as your imagination can take you. Be true to your story. And in time, work with an editor and agent who is supportive, one that you trust and appreciate, one who will help make you better than you are.

Nathaniel Lande is a journalist, author, and filmmaker with a career spanning several decades. He is the author of twelve books including Cricket and Dispatches from the Front: A History of the American War Correspondent, and was the creative force behind TIME Incorporated during his tenure. His documentary films have won over 20 International Gold Medals. The holder of two patents, he is credited for pioneering the digital book. Educated at Oxford University, he earned his doctorate at Trinity College Dublin where he was a Distinguished Scholar. As a professor, he has held appointments to the School of Journalism at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He lives in Santa Barbara, California. For additional background and works, visit www.nathaniellande.com.