Back on the same page

Bestselling author John van de Ruit has returned with another instalment of his popular Spud series.

Writing a book is a huge commitment. What are the elements that need to be in place if you are going to meet whatever writing goals you set?

John van de Ruit: Writing a book, and here I refer to a novel rather than a non-fiction book, isn’t at all what many people think it is. The process has been romanticised for centuries in popular culture and that’s why so many people believe they have a bestselling novel in them, despite the vast divide between an incredible story and a novel. Beyond the obvious elements of the craft, it requires human elements too: tenacity, endless belief, imagination, trouble-shooting skills, a strong team around you who back you, a willingness to step away from your life and friends for years at a time, the ability to live with constant doubt and receive firm critique with open arms, while exploring every corner of yourself – particularly the ones that you tend to keep to yourself. To be able to negotiate all this and not lose yourself or your story or your gees along the way is probably the most challenging aspect.

Conversely, what are the strangest or most creative procrastination techniques you’ve devised to avoid all that work?

I’ve made a living out of my writing – and previously acting – since leaving university. Just like writer’s block, I don’t do procrastination, because I set my own deadlines according to a greater plan set out by my publisher. If I find myself procrastinating, it’s usually because the work is still settling in my brain or I’m puzzling over a dramatic or comedic shift and figuring out whether it will work.

Like any human, I’m not immune to gross acts of procrastination. I once hit the pause button to do a birding year. I saw over 550 species, but non-birders – most of the population – would surely regard this as egregious slacking off!

Is there a specific author (or writer or journalist) who made you feel “I want to be an author”? And what was it about them that spurred that feeling – anything from admirable eloquence to an outrageous public persona?

There were two authors and a playwright whose work not only inspired me to write but made me believe that I could write too. The playwright was Paul Slabolepszy. I read Saturday Night At The Palace as a drama setwork as a young lad and it blew me out of my shoes. Aside from the brilliance of the work, the way Slab captured the character and the authentic speech of ordinary people triggered something.

Hemingway came next. He’s a divisive character in literary circles but a great writer whose work taught me that brilliant writing didn’t have to be poetic and obsessively descriptive – but rather pared down to its essence. This is important if you’re writing a comedic novel.

Finally, Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 added the elements of humour rooted in the absurdity of humankind. I believe if it wasn’t for this novel, I wouldn’t have written Spud.

Do you tend to read the same kind of material (genre- or style-wise) that you prefer to write? If yes, what makes that particular niche so attractive to you? If no, what do you think it is that makes each different area appealing?

I have developed a rule over my years as a writer: I never read books while I’m writing a novel. If you’re consumed with a novel, working all day and reflecting about it at night, there isn’t that headspace, for me at least, to step into another world and escape the one you’re creating. When I hit a break in writing, I tend to read broadly.

I’ve been through phases with genres, and of course I’m always looking for the next Catch-22 – a genuinely funny book that climbs under your skin too. I also read books I’ve missed while writing my own – so there’s an element of catch-up too. The other reason I don’t read books while writing one is that I’m a helpless mimic. If I’m reading Stephen King before going to bed, Spud would no doubt find a way to sound just like Stephen in the morning.

Outside of your profession, what role do books play in your life? Are you constantly reading; is your house lined with bookshelves; are books the ideal gift to give or receive?

I have many bookshelves filled with books, so I guess not seeing books every day would be strange. Recently, I’ve done a slimming down of the shelves, keeping the books that I value or that captivate me. There are also other important books, like classics, that you treasure.

But unless it’s a limited edition of a classic or favourite or an absolute must-read slam dunk, I wouldn’t suggest choosing a book for me as a present because I am selective – a book voucher would be much wiser.

Text | Bruce Dennill 

Photography | Supplied

Spud: The Reunion by John van de Ruit is published by Pan Macmillan South Africa and is available now. For more information, go to panmacmillan.co.za