Russell Banks

Q: You live in the same Adirondack region that you describe in detail in The Reserve. How would you describe the experience of writing fiction about your locale?
A: In one sense, it's easier to write a novel set close to home than a place you've only visited—it cuts down on the necessary research. Or rather, you've usually already done the research. If you've lived there long enough, you know the names of the flora and fauna, the history, the sociology, the geology, even. And, of course, you know how the light falls...