Quick questions: Chris Crutcher

Chris Crutcher, author

How are parents doing raising kids today? “If you have the means and the information, then you’re doing fine and lots of kids are turning out OK. But we are not taking care of people without the resources.”

What’s with the black rubber wrist band? “It says ‘I did not vote for Bush’ – I put it on in 2000, and I’ll take if off the day he’s out of there.”

How do you write? “I usually write for a while and then I go and do something physical – like I’ll take a run. Running slows down my thinking, something about the rhythm of my feet on the sidewalk.”

Do you have a good writing tip? “I always bring a digital recorder (fishes one out of his jeans pocket) even when I run. When I get an idea I have got to record it or it’s gone the next minute. I think I can remember, but I never can. I’ve washed a few of these electronic things – that gets expensive.”