Jonathan Ames

* Was there a moment when you realized you were going to be a writer for the rest of your life?

I don't think there was a single moment. It's not something I've quite contemplated and at this moment I'm not sure I'll be a writer for the rest of my life (confidence is a bit low at this precise second.)

* What parts of your work and of your life have the most meaning for you? Bring you the most joy?

When people write me kind notes that something I've written has brought them some pleasure; I then feel that even if what I do is pretty meaningless and frivolous that once in a while it sort of helps another person.

* What inspires you and depresses you about Jewish life?

It depresses me that Jews can't seem to find peace in ths world. I'm inspired by some of the old teachings -- the wisdom and the humanity that is present.

* What's the story of you and God?

I pray. I believe in prayer.

* When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A tennis pro.

* What crowd did you hang out with in highschool?

I didn't really hang out with a group, but when I sometimes did it was the theater and band crowd, not quite nerds but very close.

* Would you describe your best and worst interviewee experiences and what made them good and bad?

Worst: the interviewer slammed a door on me on purpose I later realized. He didn't like me. Best: it's private.

* What is wonderful and what sucks about the writing life?

Wonderful: I'm my own boss. Sucks: Hard to make a living and sometimes you write things that hurt people and you didn't intend this and so then you never want to write again or do anything again and you feel like a criminal and you can't shake that feeling.