While the economy is in freefall, the cost of living continues to rise – which is why now is the perfect time to master the art of DIY. Granta author Mark Crick is one step ahead of the game, with Sartre’s Sink, his second installment of literary pastiche for the home. Crick’s first book, Kafka’s Soup, was a critical favourite and has been translated into nineteen languages. In this exclusive video, Crick talks about the DIY tips of the world’s greatest novelists, how to inhabit another writer’s voice and why there is nothing more erotic than painting.
Mark Crick | Interview
Mark Crick
Mark Crick on the DIY tips of the world’s greatest novelists, how to inhabit another writer’s voice and why there is nothing more erotic than painting.
Doing the Work
Doing the Work
‘I think there should be a National Service of Hospitality. The best way to see the true face of humanity is to serve it a plate of chips.’
Camilla Grudova on bad-mannered customers.
Doing the Work
‘Anyone who has ever worked night shifts will understand the vertiginous feeling that comes with staring down the day from the wrong end.’
A.K. Blakemore on working nights.
Doing the Work
‘I was constantly reading job ads, trying to find my holy grail – a job I could stand to do, and someone foolish enough to hire me.’
Sandra Newman on learning how to play professional blackjack.
Doing the Work
‘I loved being a receptionist. What I loved about it was playing the part of being a receptionist.’
Emily Berry on being a temporary office worker.
Doing the Work
‘Every part of you would swell, including your eyeballs, and no matter how much water you drank, you were always dehydrated.’
Junot Díaz on working for a steel mill.
Mark Crick
Mark Crick is a photographer and the author of two books of literary pastiche, Kafka's Soup, Sartre's Sink and Machiavelli's Lawn, all published by Granta Books. He lives in London.
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