I have never read a spiralling story that follows a struggling novelist who befriends a gay man, only to begin mimicking his chaotic life to use that material as inspiration for her next story – until now. Fruit Fly tells exactly that story, and despite only being released earlier this year, is already receiving rave reviews for how witty and relevant it is. I could write endlessly about this book, but instead I’ll leave just a taste of it here – and let you savour the rest for yourself.
Fruit Fly is a book that moves at an incredible pace, leaving you breathless, as though you’ve just stepped off a rollercoaster. Silver’s career in the creative space began when he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, before going on to work on broadway and on screen. So, when it was announced only months after Fruit Fly’s release that A24 would adapt his book into a television series, it hardly came as a surprise. Silver writes with a cinematic eye and sees things viscerally. He has always been interested in the intention behind why someone makes what they create – and it’s this question that continues to fascinate him. The kinds of discussions that ask: when you’ve imagined something, is it the right story for you to tell? It’s exactly this kind of writing that has made Fruit Fly the book no one can seem to put down – and take my advice, I am utterly hooked.
Below, we speak with Josh Silver on creative freedom, Fruit Fly and how his car (parked) might be his favourite place to read. And I’ll leave you with one of my favourite Fruit Fly reviews “Exquisite. no notes. couldn’t put it down. god i feel like that picture of nicole kidman after signing her divorce papers”.
Congratulations on Fruit Fly – I’ve just started reading it, and I’m already totally hooked. How are you feeling about all the love it’s receiving?
I’m incredibly grateful that people are enjoying the book. It’s been a surreal few months, but it means a lot that people are resonating with the story.
As writers, we’re often guided by the prompt to ‘write what you know’, but that advice can eventually become limiting. How do you know when something you’ve imagined is the right story to tell?
I do believe we should start from a place of creative freedom. I’m always interested, however, in the intention behind why someone is making what they are making. Is it to shine a light on a specific demographic, or to lift them up? Or is it because it has currency now, and will make money? I’m often led by my feelings (not always great in the real world) but certainly with writing, and when I get angry I write very quickly.
I would say writers are always in a state of observation. Have you ever abandoned a brilliant idea because it wasn’t yours to tell?
Many people might argue that Mallory’s story is not mine to tell – but I enjoy provoking that conversation. If someone has a problem with that, then we can look across the board about how other stories are being told, and by who. I like that people start to think about the intention behind the creation.
You started out writing Young Adult books, and you can feel that same momentum and pacing in Fruit Fly. Was there ever a conversation with yourself about how you wanted to approach writing for an adult audience?
Nothing too much changed other than the minds of the protagonists. I don’t think young adults are so far removed from (actual?) adults, so its just about the context and viewpoint changing. I try not to think too much about the audience.
What conversations has Fruit Fly started that you’ve been utterly captivated by?
I enjoy that it is making people uncomfortable, and how they are asking themselves why they might have an appetite for viewing pain or trauma.
Fruit Fly just got announced that it will be adapted into a TV series by A24. Given your background in acting, did you find yourself writing with a cinematic eye from the very beginning?
Yes I think I write with that – I see things very visually!
Who would be your dream cast?
I’ll let A24 do that bit!
What are you currently reading at the moment?
Non-fiction because I’m writing. I cant read fiction when I’m writing.
Do you have a favourite book of all time?
Not particularly, but I have books that speak to moments in my life. One I always return to is Lighter by Yung Pueblo.
Growing up, what was the best book on your bookshelf?
A series about warrior mice, called Redwall.
What is a book you think everyone should read at least once?
Probably anything by Gabor Mate.
Where is your go-to reading spot?
My car (parked!)
Feature Image: one
