Interview with Diane Lowman, author of Nothing But Blue

What can you tell us about your new release, Nothing But Blue?

Nothing But Blue tells the story of the ten weeks I spent working on a German container ship in the summer after my sophomore year at Middlebury College – with a mostly male crew. We sailed from New York to Australia and New Zealand via the Panama Canal- and back.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My Papoo – Greek for grandfather – was an uneducated but well read immigrant. He wrote poetry to us all the time. His words, and those of the many great authors I admire, inspired me.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Shakespeare’s plays- my favorite changes daily.

Ulysses- James Joyce

Dr. Zhivago- Boris Pasternak

White Noise – Don Delilo

Catch 22 – Joseph Heller

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

In my dreams, Shakespeare. I’d ask how he did it. In reality, I’d interview Haruki Murakami and Jonathan Franzen together and ask them about how their styles have evolved over their careers

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

How absolutely cathartic and therapeutic it is

What is a typical day like for you?

I’ve just returned from England where I earned an MA in Shakespeare Studies at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford Upon Avon. So days until recently have been those of a student – lectures, research, and writing papers and more papers! I’m readjusting to life in the States by practicing yoga (I’m an instructor) and writing daily.

What scene in Nothing But Blue was your favorite to write?

The first, where I board the ship with my family and realize what I’ve gotten myself into, and the one where an angry crew member almost threw me overboard

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Diane Lowman is the author of the new book Nothing But Blue

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