James Frey, acclaimed author and businessman, joins the conversation to discuss his latest book, 'Next To Heaven'. He hilariously recounts bouncing at a Chicago bar and shares his fast-driving passion. The discussion dives into his unique writing process and thoughts on AI's role in creativity. Frey also opens up about his life changes, like starting hockey at 42 and a quirky parenting moment in Paris. With fascinating insights into his past and future projects, he brings both humor and depth to the art of storytelling.
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Sober Bouncer in Chicago Bars
James Frey worked as a doorman at a Chicago bar and never drank while on the job.
He deliberately stayed sober to face the challenges and maintain control in a tough environment.
insights INSIGHT
Fast Driving Triggers Writing Flow
Driving cars fast and writing both put James Frey in a hyper-focused 'fever dream' state.
This absolute presence allows for precision and flow crucial in both activities.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Music to Harness Emotions
Frey manipulates his emotions with music to write authentically about feelings.
He chooses music matching the emotion he wants, helping him feel and write that feeling.
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My Friend Leonard
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Bright Shiny Morning
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Bright Shiny Morning is James Frey's first novel, set in Los Angeles and following the lives of characters such as a famous actor, a young couple, a Mexican-American maid, and a homeless man. The book intertwines their stories with vignettes of other city dwellers and historical facts about Los Angeles, creating a vivid portrait of the city. Frey's writing style is often described as poetic and emotionally powerful, though it has also been criticized for its unconventional structure and repetition.
A Million Little Pieces
James Frey
A Million Little Pieces follows James Frey, a 23-year-old alcoholic and drug addict, as he undergoes rehabilitation in a private clinic. The book chronicles his painful withdrawal, his relationships with other patients including a mafia boss named Leonard and a young woman named Lilly, and his struggles with the 'Fury' that drives his addiction. Initially marketed as a memoir, the book was later relabeled as a 'semi-fictional novel' after Frey admitted to fabricating several details of his story. The narrative explores themes of addiction, recovery, and personal responsibility, offering a raw and emotional account of Frey's experiences.
Next to Heaven
Next to Heaven
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James Frey
James Frey is a writer and businessman currently living in Connecticut. His newest book, Next To Heaven, is out June 17th. We chat with him about Mariah Carey at the Interview Magazine party, being cancelled before cancellations happened, bouncing a bar in Chicago, the age he began inbibing, why he loves to drive (very) fast, a detailed account of his entire writing process, he started playing hockey at 42, whats in the water in Connecticut right now, his relationsghip with AI, his non-writing career, dangerous art, his next book idea, his bum-like uniform dressing, both of his cars, his nicotine gum and Dunkin consumption, and an unusual proud parent story.
How Long Gone 
