B.J. Novak, a writer and actor known for his role as both for the hit comedy “The Office,” brought his dry, witty wordplay to Beaverton to introduce his new book, “One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories.”
Novak spoke to a standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 people in Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing on Wednesday, Feb. 19. He read seven selections from his book, which is a collection of 64 short fictional stories.
It made for a humorous adult story time – lively and uncensored – that wrung laughter from the audience every few paragraphs.
Novak said he wrote a good portion of the book in Portland while caffeinated on Stumptown coffee.
Portland, he said, is “one of those cities with a great reputation.”
“Everyone who comes here loves it,” he said. “And they won’t shut up about it.”
While Portland served as one writing haven, Novak’s favorite place to write is his office at home, which he has transformed into the most beautiful and welcoming room in the house. He said he tries to write each morning, but usually finds himself kicking into gear later in the day.
“There’s a certain combination of caffeine and self-loathing that kicks in around three,” Novak said.
He said none of the stories in the book are explicitly about his real-life experiences, but he put something of himself and his life into each piece.
“Someday I hope to write about what I really think as myself,” he said. “But I think I need to get ready first.”
His next endeavor as a writer, he said, will likely be similar in format to “One More Thing.”
–Kari Bray
Article source: http://www.oregonlive.com/beaverton/index.ssf/2014/02/bj_novak_brings_humor_stories.html