As an acclaimed novelist, essayist and author of short stories, writer Sam Lipsyte knows what it’s like to push the boundaries of form in the context of bold, irreverent and iconoclastic situations. In each of his literary masterpieces, he provides a glimpse into the humanity which surrounds the complex experiences which inform the foundation of their characters. He authored his debut publication, Venus Drive, in 2000, which consisted of a hilarious collection of short stories which demonstrate this thematic undertone in action. The Subject Steve followed in 2001; a poetic, existential, humorous satire examining topics which include life, disease and the meaning of it all. The novel provides a meditation on the irony of mortality through the lens of an eponymous protagonist after he receives a terminal diagnosis. “Home land,” which captures the taste of revisiting one’s cherished high school experience and all its grateful memories, arrived in 2004. The Ask followed in 2010, and navigated one man’s attempt to regain his old job back through participating in an ask which would change his life indefinitely. Throughout the years, up to and including the publication of his recent book, Hark (2019), Sam’s writing has been featured in dozens of publications including GQ, The New Yorker, Harper’s, The Washington Post and Playboy. He was an editor at FEED, and in talks with HBO to create a show around his work, “People City.” For nearly 20 years, he has taught fiction at Columbia University. His most recent book, No One Left to Come Looking for You, will be published on December 6, 2022 and can be pre-ordered on Amazon. In our conversation, we discussed the origins of his literary interests and talents; his father, the renowned Robert Lipsyte; and the musical underpinnings which formed the backdrop for his latest work.

Opening Credits: The Wrong Sister - Looking at the sun; HoliznaCC0 - 2 (jazz); Closing Credits: El Jugador - A Couple Of Crumbs