QUAN BARRY’S second novel, We Ride Upon Sticks, was named one of the best books of the year by NPR. The Madison-based author’s latest, When I’m Gone, Look for Me in the East, follows a Tibetan Buddhist monk and his twin brother on a journey across Mongolia.
Where did you find the inspiration for your new novel?
I spent time in a monastery in Bhutan. That was eye-opening for me, to see how contemporary monks live. They were very modern people. Many of them had phones, sneakers, sunglasses. It was fascinating. I decided to write this novel in first person, and that was a tremendous challenge. It meant doing a lot of research to get it right because I felt a great responsibility to be as authentic and true to the culture as I could.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
You’ve been a published writer for over two decades. How has your work evolved?
I started my career as a poet. My first novel was a lyrical look at contemporary Vietnam – it’s a pretty sad book – and then my second book is comedic, and now I’m going back to a more lyrical style with this one. I think it’s an effort to show my range. My first play is happening at [Madison’s] Forward Theater this spring, so I’m thinking more about playwriting and screenplay writing.
Do you think Wisconsin is a good state for writers?
Our universities are bringing in talented writers. We have museums, cultural offerings, and then obviously we have nature. Wisconsin is a great place to be right now if you’re a writer.
