Ask the Author: Tosh Berman
Answered Questions (10)
Tosh Berman
Hello! The late and great Dean Stockwell (and actor) took the original photograph of my father, Wallace Berman. As far as I know, the negative and the actual photos are missing. Dean supplied the photo to Robert Fraser, who co-art-directed the Pepper cover.
Tosh Berman
There's an excellent biography on Robert Fraser called "Groovy Bob," and that volume will have your answer. Robert was an early victim of the AIDS disease/crisis and I think he passed away in the mid-1980s.
Tosh Berman
I still write poetry, but the main focus at the moment is prose. But on the other hand, no poetry, then I wouldn't be writing prose pieces. Sort of the yin and the yang.
Tosh Berman
Fear. Fear is a good reference point where you don't know what else to do, except write. And on some days, pleasure. So it's pleasure and fear that is the inspiration to write. Also you must set a time in front of pen, paper, or your computer screen - and don't move till you at least write a paragraph or two.
Tosh Berman
A good quote is worth a thousand narratives. Or is one quote good for ...just a quote. I don't know Brian, good question.
Tosh Berman
"The Plum in Mr. Blum's Pudding" was written 25 years ago when I was living in Japan. While there, I had the book published in a very limited edition of 200 copies. Now, Penny-ante Editions agreed to re-publish the work with an introduction by Kristine McKenna and an afterword by Ruth Bernstein. It's a very important book for me. It brings back memories but also it conveys what I like about poetry in general. It's a snapshot that is meditated on and focused on as well. I love the textures in poetry, and with that in mind, is how I wrote this book.
Tosh Berman
I'm working on my childhood memoir. First draft is almost finished. I wrote it because many have asked me about my parents and life during the "Beat" era in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Also I'm writing a story/narrative/essay a day for my blog. I started it on January 1, 2014 and will finish on December 31, 2014. After that I hope it becomes a book. A blog is a blog and a book is a book. Totally different mediums. And both are wonderful.
Tosh Berman
Nothing beats the laptop, the greatest invention ever for a writer. At your fingertips you have a dictionary, word-processing program, and you can take it with you anywhere. Although I have to admit that an old fashioned type-writer is for sure more romantic.
Tosh Berman
The ability to have a discussion with yourself.
Tosh Berman
As of yet, I never suffered from writer's block, but the discipline is the thing. You really have to sit or stand there and look at that empty screen or piece of paper in front of you. At first, do it for two hours, and then eventually add more hours to your writing. After awhile it becomes an addiction!
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