One-Question Interviews Archives
Dennis DiClaudio, pathological worrywart
* ? *Y.P.R. 1. What non-hypochondriacal diseases afflict you? Dennis DiClaudio I currently suffer from a chronic case of Androgenetic Alopecia, the effects of which have been devastating and unquantifiable, at times making it difficult to maintain such basic human... 
Sam Lipsyte, distinguished alumnus
Y.P.R. What is written about or to you in your high-school yearbook? Sam Lipyste Herewith I offer a few inscriptions from my yearbook, with annotations where needed, and names removed. 1. From a guy I used to drink with:...
Andrei Codrescu, exquisite corpse
Y.P.R. 1. Hey, what's up? A.C. Nothing as far as I can see, but that's bound to change as soon as they reverse my mood. Mr. Codrescu is a poet, novelist, an essayist, a screenwriter, a columnist for N.P.R., and...
Malcolm Gladwell, quick thinker
How's life treating you?
Sasha Frere-Jones, music critic
You’re in a time machine that’s powered by musical zeitgeist: it can traverse the time-space continuum, but its landing coordinates can only be programmed for, say, Manchester, late 70s, or Seattle, circa 1991, etc. Which music scene would you visit, and why?
Andrew Vachss, creative factory
Y.P.R. 1. Man alive! You crank out creative product like you’re hepped up on speed. What’s your writing schedule or routine look like, and how do you thwart writer’s block? Andrew Vachss I don’t have a schedule, much less...
Ned Vizzini, chill squipster
Y.P.R. 1. As the editors of Y.P.R. approach the age of 30, we increasingly find ourselves in fits of white-hot jealousy and berserk outrage when we learn of young success stories. Looking back on your (slightly) younger days, were...
J. T. LeRoy, young Turk
Y.P.R. 1. “Terminator”? What kind of a pen name is that? Please explain/defend yourself. J. T. LeRoy I was tricking on the street and it was a name these other boy kids gave me as a joke because it...
Hal Sparks, funny person
Who do you encounter more often, fans who think you're really queer as folk or fans who think you really love the 80s?
Patton Oswalt, funny person
Y.P.R. 1. Hey, you're pretty funny dude. Could you tell us a joke? Patton Oswalt Yes! I'm a professional comedian. It's fun, always having jokes and funny stories to tell. I love making people laugh. Thank you for asking! Mr....
Todd Barry, funny person
Y.P.R. 1. Does male pattern baldness directly amplify one's sarcasm? Todd Barry I was sarcastic long before I saw any signs of M.P.B. Mr. Barry is a standup comedian all over the television set. His Web home is todbarry.com....
Marc Maron, funny person
Dear Mr. Moron ...
David Rees, clip-artist
What's it like to be a cartoonist who cannot draw?
Stephen Elliott, lover of the electoral process
Y.P.R. 1. How’s it going? Stephen Elliott It’s going well. We did a fundraiser last night for MoveOn.org. I organized the reading with Peter Orner and we co-hosted. It was our third event; we’ve been doing them monthly on the...
Andrew Sean Greer, planetary pathfinder
Y.P.R. 1. What’s going on? Andrew Sean Greer I am staring at a box of Safeway-brand Grape Nuts rip-off called “Nutty Nuggets” and wondering why I ate that instead of the other cereal I like better, a Safeway-brand Post...
Dan Kennedy, small-talking memoirist
Y.P.R. 1. What’s shakin’? Dan Kennedy I’m starting my fourth week back home after a little travel bender in which I think I clocked 35,000 miles in maybe a month’s time and felt like I had found the answers to...
Jonathan Ames, randy writer
What did your mom say the first time she read your tales of ribaldry?
Neal Pollack, supercharged satirist
Y.P.R. 1. How come us Jewish folks are so hairy? I look like Robin Williams and the Wolfman had a kid. Neal Pollack Body hair, as you know, contains your unique “chemical signature,” designed by nature to sexually attract other...
Tom Perrotta, novelist
Y.P.R. 1. Which do you prefer (to munch on, not to adorn book covers): Pepperidge Farm Goldfish or chocolate-chip cookies? Tom Perrotta I prefer chocolate chip cookies. They don't have as many lawyers. Mr. Perrotta is the author of the...
Y.P.R. makes no delusions of grandeur regarding its small-potatoes self. Therefore, when we pester our favorite writers, artists, and humorists, we only do so for a quick minute. Then, whammo! We’re out.
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