Writers Who Read: Ann Gelder

Our Writers Who Read series continues this week with writer Ann Gelder.

Who are you?
A novelist, nonfiction writer, and recovering academic. My first novel, Bigfoot and the Baby, published by Bona Fide Books this past June, tells the story of a frustrated homemaker who searches for God and finds Bigfoot instead. (You can learn more at Bona Fide Books.)

What are three beloved books you first read before the age of 12?
Harriet the Spy (sat at the window of my parents’ bedroom and took notes on passing neighbors). The Wizard of Oz (fell in love with the Tin Woodman). Bread and Jam for Francis (ate lots of bread and jam, before anyone knew how bad carbs are for you).

What is one book you are always recommending to friends and family (and maybe the local barista) as an adult?
Ever since I read it in college, I’ve been obsessed with Soviet-era novella called Envy by Yuri Olesha. First off, how could a writer not love a book called Envy? And in fact it is about an envious writer. But it also contains some really beautiful, bizarre yet accurate imagery such as I’ve encountered nowhere else. Olesha also plays with point of view, switching from first to third person when the main character steps in front of a mirror in the street. Plus it’s funny, in a pretty dark and horrifying way.

What is your book kryptonite–those unique elements in a book, beyond just great writing and three-dimensional characters, that make you unable to resist reading? 
I would say some fabulist element mixed in with a largely realistic story (I’m not a fan of pure fantasy). If a story is described as “a gritty portrait of real life,” I tend to shy away. I like a sea monster or UFO to pop up at some point. For example, those sorts of things happen in otherwise realistic if over-the-top Iris Murdoch novels (I’m thinking of The Sea, The Sea and The Philosopher’s Pupil)–and that’s enough for me. Just a glimpse of some other reality makes me very happy.

What is your ideal time and place to read?
I often read in the early evening, as a kind of reward for the workday. It makes a nice buffer zone between work (even or especially my own work) and down-time.

Which books have had the biggest influence on your writing?
Envy, which I’ve mentioned above. The Brothers Karamazov, which I actually allude to several times in Bigfoot and the Baby … although I suspect not everyone will pick up on that. Several Margaret Atwood books, notably The Blind Assassin. And White Noise by Don DeLillo.

How do you balance reading and writing in your life?
It’s not always easy. Sometimes I think I use reading as an excuse for not writing. I tell myself I’m “doing research” or “seeking inspiration,” when I’m really just avoiding. On the other hand, I think reading constantly is critical for writers, and my best ideas or solutions often come to me while I’m reading–because it takes my focus off my own work and allows me to view it askance.

Choose your penned poison: ebook, physical book, or audio book?
I’m liking physical books more and more every day. Ebooks are nice for plane rides particularly, but I stare at a screen all day, and really don’t want to do that any more than I have to. I do like audio books, but tend not to retain anything that I hear. I like to be able to flip back and forth between pages.

Do you consciously plan your future reading–i.e., set book goals, keep a TBR list, participate in book challenges or book clubs? Why or why not?
Not really. I’ll happen upon a book in a store or via recommendations, and immediately want to read that particular book. If I made a list I wouldn’t stick to it.

What are you reading now?
I love popular science, and right now I’m reading Richard Fortey’s Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms: The Story of the Animals and Plants That Time Has Left Behind. I find the precision and focus of science very refreshing, and I try to carry those qualities over into my fiction.

You can find out more about Ann at her website or on Twitter: @AnnBGelder.