A Revealing Interview with Anna Quindlen
On Her Younger Years, What She Regrets, and Her Hopes for the Future
May 23, 2009
She's been a respected journalist since 1974, and started writing for the New York Post when she was a mere young adult out of college. She's won a Pulitzer Prize, has written five best-seller books, has freelanced for numerous magazines and newspapers and raised a family in the process.
She changed the face of journalism for women columnists, and provided readers throughout the world a clear image of values, growth and culture. She's covered wars; made writing her life's work, and changed peoples' views.
And she states that she admires the relaxed and instant gratification values of the generations that followed her?
At first sight of Anna Quindlen, her appearance is surprising. A common image of this hardcore journalist with such extensive knowledge of world subjects would be an intimidating presence, tailored in fitting suits, always ready with story ideas. But as she rushed in with her large Starbucks coffee apologizing for her late arrival, there was an overwhelming comforting presence.
Quindlen's Journey
Dressed in a colorful soft vest complete with slacks and flats, Quindlen's kind face resonates with smooth lines from the decades of laughter, tears, smiles and deep thought; even the silver in her dark hair had a warm glow. It is difficult not to be in awe of her. Not only was Anna Quindlen the third woman ever to write for the New York Times influential Op-Ed page, but she also was the first to bring gender differences into her writing.
Originally entering the journalism field at the age of 18 in order to pay rent, it's interesting to consider the huge differences between when Quindlen entered journalism compared to a journalist just now emerging from school.
But when asked if she would do it all over again and enter the field today if she was just coming out of college, Quindlen doesn't miss a beat when answering yes. She explains that younger generations have so many different issues to face that she didn't, and that it is better this way.
"It's so easy to stay in a box of race, gender and class, and nowadays people have the opportunity to get out of that box. I'm grateful that mine and others' view of the world has been deepened," she says.
Some Things She's Learned
Quindlen jokes that when she first started writing, she had no idea that they were actually being read. This helped create her writing voice early on, because she didn't realize it was on display.
Let out a sigh of relief, young journalists: it is well-known that finding a successful creative voice is always a fear among and it's nice to hear that such a strong writer had to develop it over time, as well. Quindlen clearly understands the trials and tribulation young journalists go through, no matter how many decades apart their work is published and read.
With her cheeks glowing warmly, Quindlen went on to say that she had a lot of respect for the younger generations X and Y.
Huh?
But didn't she create a prestigious career for herself when she was still a teenager practically?
"Yes", she laughs, "I don't have a lot of regrets but the one thing I wish I had done was to slow down, travel more and experience more things. The younger generations are good at that. There's no reason to jump right into a career right out of college. You have a lot of time to decide what you want with your life."
Anna's Future Plans
Nowadays, she takes time out of her writing to do many things she enjoys, such as spend time with her three kids (all in their twenties) and to take part in her many philanthropic activities which include pro bono speeches for Planned Parenthood and being on the board at her daughter's school.
" I will always keep writing, though," she adds thoughtfully. When asked what she likes better out of her multiple styles of writing- novels, fiction, nonfiction, columns- a slow smile spreads over Quindlen's face. " I don't have to choose. I love them all."
Interview with Anna Quindlen in Winter 2007
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