Improbable, hilarious and true, Running with Scissors was a confessional stand-up routine enlivened by painful slaps of candor.
When it appeared in 2002, it made its author, Augusten Burroughs, a literary celebrity, a status he has built upon with his subsequent works: a memoir about his addictions Dry, two collections of essays Magical Thinking and Possible Side Effects and a novel Sellivision.
Each stings with his characteristic caustic humour.
In his latest, A Wolf at the Table, however, the tone darkens. Contemplating his fearful yearning for the love of his father the laughs dried up.
In this major Writers Festival address, Burroughs explains to Jennifer Byrne why he abandoned the deflecting techniques of humour and opened himself up to the emotional hits- Melbourne Writers Festival
Bio
Augusten Burroughs
Augusten Burroughs, author of the bestselling memoir Running With Scissors, was born in Pittsburgh in 1965. Raised in Massachusetts, he has lived in Boston, San Francisco, Chicago and New York.
Burroughs has been a dog trainer, candy store clerk, waiter, sail cutter, store detective and, since the age of 19, an advertising copywriter. Burroughs also happens to be the eighteenth grandson of King James The Second of Scotland. Burroughs now lives in Manhattan with his better half Dennis, and their beast, Bentley. Sellevision is his first novel.
Jennifer Byrne
Jennifer Byrne has 26 years experience in television, radio and print journalism. Over the years she has interviewed many world leaders for television programs such as "60 Minutes", "7.30 Report" and "Lateline". She is currently presenter of the "First Tuesday Book Club" on ABC TV.
Augusten Burroughs is so awesome - I can't wait for his next book! He is so amazing on interview - I'd like to hear him get interviewed by Howard Stern.