Description:
(Novelist)
John Irving is the author of the best-selling ‘The World According to Garp’ and has also penned many other award-winning books including ‘A Prayer for Owen Meany’, ‘Cider House Rules’ and ‘The Fourth Hand’. As a teenager, he took up wrestling and read ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens, which apparently had a profound impact on his life and inspired much of his future writing. An alumnus of University of New Hampshire, Irving earned fame for his impeccable plots and his unconventional choice of words. He has also dabbled with screenplay for films, many of which were adaptations of his books, for which he has won accolades and honors. He has also experimented with writing memoirs and continues to write and publish novels with unconventional, quirky themes and sexually-driven characters. From a very young age, Irving suffered from dyslexia but he never let it become a setback in his life. He never curbed his passion for reading and always had the thirst to learn more about the world around him. He doused himself in literature and nurtured his passion for sports - he accredits both for his success today.
Birthday
March 2, 1942 (Pisces)
Alternative names
John Winslow Irving, John Wallace Blunt Jr
City
Exeter, New Hampshire
Parents
John Wallace Blunt
Frances Blunt
What inspired John Irving to become a writer?
John Irving has mentioned that his experiences as a wrestler in high school and college inspired him to become a writer. He often draws on his wrestling background in his novels.
What recurring themes can be found in John Irving's novels?
Themes of fate, family dynamics, identity, and the impact of past events on the present are common in John Irving's novels. He often explores complex relationships and the ways in which individuals navigate life's challenges.
How does John Irving approach the writing process?
John Irving is known for his detailed outlining process before he begins writing a novel. He typically plans out the major plot points and character arcs before diving into the actual writing. He has also mentioned that he writes his novels in longhand before typing them up.
What is John Irving's perspective on the role of humor in literature?
John Irving believes that humor is an essential element in literature, even in serious or dark subject matter. He often incorporates humor into his novels as a way to engage readers and provide a sense of lightness amidst heavy themes.
How does John Irving's background in screenwriting influence his approach to storytelling?
John Irving's background in screenwriting has influenced his approach to storytelling by emphasizing the importance of structure and pacing in his novels. He often writes with a cinematic quality, creating vivid scenes and using dialogue effectively to drive the narrative forward.
