Interview with Paul Woodruff

Author of  The Necessity of Theater: The Art of Watching and Being Watched

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in New Jersey, raised near Pittsburgh Pa, and have spent my professional life in Austin, Texas.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I never thought I wanted to live in Texas, but I was offered a job there and my girlfriend at the time really wanted to live there for a few years. So we went. Got married. We both came to love the place and brought up our children there.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I couldn’t help it. I had to write the book on theater. I knew that the project would not make any difference to my status as an academic, so I did not write the book for academics. I wrote it for people like me who love theater as I do.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are written for general readers who are interested in ideas. In the book on theater I try to bring out what I believe theater people love about their art form. I try to bring out the deep heart of the art of theater as we practice it on both sides of the footlights.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone interested in any kind of live performance: plays, operas, concerts, dances, popular or classical.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I came to see how different live theater is from film or video or recordings. It is a totally different art form, whether for music or dance or play-acting.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

Plan more time for writing and revision!

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as I can. Can I reach the real opinion makers? The people who decide our fate? How about getting the president and congress to read my work on compassion.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Trying to express band new ideas in old words. When you want to say something new, as I did about theater, it’s hard to get people to see where you are taking them. I think, in that book, I succeeded.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a. I write clearly, on the whole, and I have new ideas. b. I have been working with excellent editors. c. I interview well. My interview with Bill Moyers was a success; he said it was among his better ones.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a. I never allow enough time when I start, b. I am not a great proof-reader. I miss mistakes. Every time I see a brand new book of mine, I find a howling error when I first one it. c. I am no good at social media, and I have little patience with the work of marketing. I’d rather write the next book.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I am working on it now. I hope to finish next year.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Traditional publisher.