I’m novelist, essayist, screenwriter, nerd, father, and husband, Michael Chabon, and I’m here to answer your questions. AMA!

[u/avengingmonkeyofgod]

Born in DC in 1963, I’ve been a professional writer since 1987, when I sold my first novel, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (1988). Things I’ve written or co-written have won the Fernanda Pivano, Hugo, Mythopoetic Fantasy, Nebula, Peabody, Pulitzer, and Sidewise awards, and been shortlisted for the Edgar, Emmy, IMPAC, National Book Critics Circle, National Book and PEN/Faulkner awards. I live in Berkeley.

Proof: /img/nre06yyfvx171.jpg

[u/[deleted]]

[u/penguintheft]

Hi Michael,

Long-time fan here. I’ve been to many of your readings, and absolutely loved Moonglow (the description of the church’s metal roof melting and filling the crypt below has stuck with me since it came out).

After a reading you did of Telegraph Avenue at UCLA’s Hammer Museum with Mona Simpson, I asked you what is was like to voice yourself on The Simpsons, (a) because I’d just seen the episode, and (b) because I was/am an aspiring writer and was too nervous to ask you a more “writerly” question on the spot (though maybe you like a break from those!).

Can you give an update on the Kavalier and Clay TV show with Showtime? I saw a SYFY article from September of last year saying you and Ayelet were hard at work on the drafts of the first two episodes. I’m so excited to see it adapted for the screen, especially for a series where we can really see everything play out.

Second, with so many projects going on, what does your daily routine look like?

[u/GDwritersblock]

My husband and I rarely agree on books we like, but we both consider Wonder Boys among our favorites and we named our first son Grady.

Do you ever go back and read your own work? Do you read Mysteries of Pittsburgh now and still love it?

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Findest]

Hello Michael,

I don't have a question. I only wanted to say that Wonder Boys is my all-time favorite book and the movie adaptation is my all-time favorite movie. Your story made me pursue writing and I'm currently submitting my first manuscript to agents! You've quite literally started a new chapter in my life. Thank you.

[u/ClassicRedditLurker]

Hello Michael! You have been one of my greatest inspirations, as I pursue my own writing projects. K&C remains my favorite book of all time. One of the qualities I appreciate the most in that book is the stylish language. I have always wondered: how do you go about constructing a sentence that contains both substance and flair?

[u/Poison_Tipped]

if you didn't live in Berkeley, where would you live? Related... if you could change one thing about Berkeley, what would it be?

Unrelated, what's the most painful darling you ever had to kill?

[u/Bschwaz]

Hi Michael,

I have a question about the Wile. E Coyote parable in The Yiddish Policemen's Union (he can keep on running off the cliff until he looks down). It struck me that this parable strongly resembles a song we would often sing at temple and Jewish summer camp:

Kol ha'olam kulo

Gesher tzar me'od

Veha'ikar lo lifached k'lal.

The whole world

Is a very narrow bridge

and the most important thing is to have no fear at all

I was curious if you had this piece of Jewish wisdom in mind when you wrote that parable into the novel, or if you have any thoughts on the song itself — it always struck me as a peculiar thing to teach children to sing joyfully.

Thanks!

[u/Phil_Stevenz]

Hello Mr. Chabon,

I know it may sound cliche, but what advice would you give to younger writers regarding the craft and making a career in the writing world, especially given the current landscape of the writing world?

Second, what’s your view of the current role of the novelist and writer in society as you see it today, and what you think the outlook of the career of “writer” is going forward?

Also, as a more fun question, what are some of your favorite novels? Either ones you love for any reason or ones that were formative and influential on your work?

Thank you again for all your wonderful work!

[u/Ok-Reindeer4700]

How was the Coen's script for The Yiddish Policeman's Union? Do you wish it had been filmed or are you content to wait for the 'right' adaptation?