Dave Bidini on why fear is motivating and comedy is terrifying
Erin Balser | CBC | Posted: March 20, 2017 6:38 PM | Last Updated: July 10, 2017
Dave Bidini wears many hats. He's an author (his books include On a Cold Road and Baseballissimo) and musician (he's a founding member of the Rheostatics). He is also the only person to have been nominated for a Gemini, Genie and Juno and have a book on Canada Reads, which makes him the perfect person to be a jury member for the 2017 CBC Nonfiction Prize.
Below, Dave Bidini answers eight questions submitted by eight of his fellow writers in the CBC Books Magic 8 Q&A.
1. Jordan Tannahill asks, "What is the cruelest thing a lover has ever said about your writing?"
Let me ask my wife, she might remember.
2. Shilpi Somaya Gowda asks, "What's your best 'fuel' for a good writing session: a great night's sleep, a long walk, a strong cup of coffee, or a glass of wine (or scotch)?"
A great big glass of fear.
3. Bill Richardson asks, "Have you ever regretted dedicating a book to someone?"
"For Donald J. Trump; may you continue to inspire!" didn't work out so great.
4. Rachel Cusk asks, "Name some of the rituals or habits you indulge in while writing."
Not writing while writing is probably my most common ritual.
5. Ausma Zehanat Khan asks, "What form of writing would you love to attempt even though you're secretly terrified by it?"
Probably comedy. I'm so terrified of it I can barely begin to wri..
6. Nick Cutter asks, "Which Canadian writer do you think would make the best drinking buddy, and why?"
Definitely NOT Craig Davidson. Guy can barely hold his liquor.
7. Ivan Coyote asks, "What is one story that is rattling ghosts around in your head, but for whatever reason, you haven't tackled it yet?"
I usually try everything I imagine, and what's immediately on the page tells me whether it will be worth devoting two to seven years to exploring.
8. Saleema Nawaz asks, "What do you do when the writing is going badly... or not going at all?"
I have a Michael Ondaatje doll that I shout at and call terrible names. After that, I'm usually fine.