The memoir master

Damian Barr. Photo supplied.
Damian Barr. Photo supplied.

Journalist and memoirist Damian Barr, who appears at the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival tonight, holds London ''literary salons'' where he interviews the latest and best writers. He answered Gillian Thomas' questions.

 

Q You teach a masterclass in memoir for The Guardian-UEA. What do you find are some of the highlights for you engaging in this work?

A Everyone has a story to tell and this course is about helping people find their voice and share their lives. I am constantly amazed by what we all endure and what some of us enjoy; it is fascinating. And a licence to ask questions.

Q There's that old adage that sometimes ''truth is stranger than fiction''. What do you say to someone who says ''no-one will believe my story''.

A I say, tell me more.

Q To what degree has writing your own memoir been a liberating exercise?

A I feel like an adult for the first time in my life. It's helped me understand myself better here and now. I have so much to be grateful for.

Q What do you think the secret is to the success of your Literary Salon podcasts?

A People listen to us all over the world and now in British Airways flights. It makes me happy to reach all those folks. Is there a secret? I have great guests and a gorgeous engaged audience. You can hear their hotness.

Q Have you ever hosted any New Zealand writers in your salon?

A Yes. Stella Duffy is wonderful.

Q You'll be in town with a lot of international and Kiwi authors. Could this be something of a Literary Salon recruitment opportunity for you?

A Oh yes I am totally talent-spotting and NZ has some serious literary talent.

Q Are there any Kiwi writers that you are keen to meet while you are in New Zealand?

A Witi Ihimaera.

Q At the Dunedin Festival you'll be in conversation with fellow British writer Natalie Haynes [author of An Ancient Guide to Modern Life]. Have you shared a platform with Natalie before and if so what dynamics do you expect she will add to your session.

A I love Natalie, she is so perfectly dry. And fiercely intellectual without taking herself at all seriously.

Q I understand you visited Dunedin earlier this year engaged in some travel writing. Can you tell me a little about that and what your impressions of Dunedin were and what you might be looking forward to on your return.

A It's like Edinburgh. But not. I heard bagpipes and saw tartan and Burns and was made so welcome. I am fascinated to come back and meet the penguins and the albatrosses and explore more. I saw some wee houses and one that looked perfect for writing in.

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