Describe your latest book.A Gate at the Stairs is a new-fashioned governess novel, which looks at a year in the life of the American Midwest, as viewed through the eyes of a young woman, Tassie Keltjin.
If someone were to write your biography, what would be the title and subtitle?
Lorrie Moore: A Life?
What fictional character would you like to date, and why?
I wouldn't date any fictional character, as I've done that before and it's really not what you might think. But I would like to pal around with the witty and lyrical Mercutio and try to keep him from getting killed.
Introduce one other author you think people should read, and suggest a good book with which to start.
I am interested in Rivka Galchen's Atmospheric Disturbances, a strong and unusual first novel.
Offer a favorite sentence or passage from another writer.
"Vanessa is her ship, her strip of green coastline where bees hum among the grapes."
—Michael Cunningham, The Hours
How do you relax?
Very carefully.
On a clear and cold day, do you typically get outside into the sunshine or stay inside where it's warm?
Oh, I love clear and cold and do go out in it.
Make a question of your own, then answer it.
Q: Why do you think we ask writers these questions?
A: I have no idea.
Recommend five or more books on a single subject of personal interest or expertise.
Some Slightly Overlooked Books Written by Brilliant People and, Yes, Personal Friends:
Amateur Barbarians by Rob Cohen
Gone Fishing: Ocean Life by the Numbers by David McLimans
Lies Will Take You Somewhere by Sheila Schwartz
The Dead Fish Museum by Charles D'Ambrosio
For Rouenna by Sigrid Nunez