American Pitbull by James Frey, Marc Joseph (Photographer), Cory Reynolds

What are some of your favorite films, and what makes them unforgettable to you?
I like all sorts of films, watch all sorts. Not a snob in my film tastes. Favorites include:

What types of music do you like? Is there any particular kind you like to listen to when you're writing?
I listen to all types of music. I have 2,500 songs on my computer and have them set to Shuffle. Sometimes I'll listen to something specific to help me with emotional aspects of my work. When I'm writing about anger, I'll listen to angry music, such as punk or heavy metal. When I'm writing about love I'll listen to opera or ballads. Music is a huge part of my work and also helps with rhythm and pacing.

If you had a book club, what would it be reading?
I'm reading The March by E. L. Doctorow. Club would probably be reading that, it's a very cool book.

What are your favorite kinds of books to give -- and get -- as gifts?
I give first editions and signed first editions. I usually try to find out someone's favorite book and buy that, or find out their favorite writer and find them a good example of the writer's work.

Do you have any special writing rituals? For example, what do you have on your desk when you're writing?
I work normal hours, nine to five, and waste time like most other people do while they are at their jobs by talking on the phone, surfing the Net, reading the paper, and reading magazines. I have a quota of one page a day of polished, finished, publishable writing. I always meet it, though I usually do more. The only unusual thing I do is listen to music all day, sometimes at a high volume. My two dogs are also always in the room with me, usually sleeping.

What are you working on now?
I'm writing a pilot for a P. I. show called Tremaine for 20th Century Fox and writing a film about the Hell's Angels for director Tony Scott and Fox 2000.

Many writers are hardly "overnight success" stories. How long did it take for you to get where you are today? Any rejection-slip horror stories or inspirational anecdotes?
My first book was published eight years after I started writing. Most of that time was spent teaching myself to write and finding my voice. We got rejection slips from 17 publishers before we heard yes. They day we heard yes was a great great day for me.

If you could choose one new writer to be "discovered," who would it be?
My friend Mike Craven, who wrote a book called Body Copy. The pilot I'm writing is based on the book. It's a great piece of work. I hope someone publishes at some point this year.

What tips or advice do you have for writers still looking to be discovered?
Work hard. Believe in yourself. If I can do it, you can do it.