Book Riot - The Podcast: The Reading Life of Stephen Graham Jones

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Shinsky delve into the literary journey of acclaimed author Stephen Graham Jones. This comprehensive conversation explores Jones's formative reading experiences, influential authors, and his evolution into a prolific writer. The discussion offers valuable insights for both aspiring writers and avid readers alike.

Early Reading Experiences

Stephen Graham Jones begins by recounting his earliest memories of reading, highlighting the profound impact of specific books during his childhood.

“My very first book I read was in fourth grade... The Red Fern Grows, my selected book. I remember that final image of an axe stuck in a tree with a rusty lantern hanging on.”
[05:03] Stephen Graham Jones

This poignant moment not only ignited his passion for reading but also planted the seeds for his future as a writer. Jones reflects on how this book taught him the power of storytelling to both break and knit a reader's heart.

Influential Authors and Genres

Jones discusses his diverse reading habits, particularly his fascination with science thrillers and horror genres during his formative years.

“I stumbled into science thrillers like Michael Crichton stuff... Everybody was trying to be Michael Crichton.”
[23:12] Stephen Graham Jones

He also shares his transformative experience with comics, particularly Marvel's Secret Wars, which served as a source of inspiration and resilience during his teenage years.

“In Secret Wars number 10... Dr. Doom did it. I can do it too.”
[16:03] Stephen Graham Jones

This blend of genres enriched his narrative style, allowing him to incorporate complex themes and diverse characters into his writing.

College and the Turning Point

Jones recounts a pivotal moment during his college years that solidified his path toward writing. An unexpected incident led him to write his first story, which won a contest and opened his eyes to his potential as a writer.

“That was the moment where, like, a light went off and I was like, you mean people care about these stories?”
[35:10] Stephen Graham Jones

This affirmation from his instructors encouraged him to pursue creative writing passionately, ultimately shaping his literary career.

Developing as a Writer

Transitioning from reader to writer, Jones explains how his analytical approach to reading influenced his writing techniques. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication and innovative form in storytelling.

“The first part of writing is communication. There can't be static. There can't be noise in there unless it's intentional.”
[49:35] Stephen Graham Jones

Jones also discusses his latest work, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, highlighting its epistolary format and nested narratives that challenge readers to engage deeply with the story.

“Nesting narratives and making each narrative have bubbled up through the previous lends the story itself indeterminacy...”
[54:08] Stephen Graham Jones

This structural complexity aims to enhance reader participation, making the storytelling experience more interactive and thought-provoking.

Current Reading Habits and Recommendations

Despite his established career, Jones maintains a dynamic reading life, balancing professional obligations with personal literary interests. He expresses a longing for the spontaneous discovery of books that characterized his youth.

“I miss the wonder of falling into something completely unknown because that's something I don't really have anymore unless I make it happen.”
[44:29] Stephen Graham Jones

Jones recommends a variety of books that have left a lasting impression on him, such as Jim Dodge's Fup and Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine, underscoring their capacity to transform and engage readers profoundly.

Teaching and Mentorship

As a mentor, Jones prioritizes innovation in form and clarity in communication when evaluating student writing. He believes that mastering the fundamentals of writing enables writers to experiment effectively.

“You can't write free verse until you can write form.”
[50:53] Stephen Graham Jones

Jones’s approach fosters both technical proficiency and creative exploration, encouraging emerging writers to develop their unique voices while adhering to clear narrative structures.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jones sharing his enthusiasm for future projects and his ongoing commitment to exploring new narrative forms. His insights offer a compelling look into the interplay between a reader's early experiences and their development as a writer.

“Stories can make us choose. And when we choose this or that, that tells us something about ourselves.”
[54:27] Stephen Graham Jones

Final Thoughts

"The Reading Life of Stephen Graham Jones" is a captivating exploration of an author's journey through literature and writing. Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Shinsky successfully highlight the influences and experiences that have shaped Jones’s storytelling prowess, providing listeners with both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the literary process.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions between the hosts and Stephen Graham Jones.