Author's Corner: Interview with T.C. Boyle

T.C. Boyle’s “Killing Babies” By: Mike Verity


T.C. Boyle has published 11 novels and over 60 short stories since the late 1970’s, and is the winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award in 1988 for his novel World’s End. He has been a professor of English at the University of Southern California since 1986. We at windows-to–the-soul.blogspot.com invited Mr. Boyle to an interview regarding his short story “Killing Babies”.

Verity: Welcome Mr. Boyle, it is a privilege to speak with a distinguished writer such as yourself.
Boyle: It’s good to be here, so I know I’m here to answer questions regarding my short story, “Killing Babies”. Good ahead and ask away about the story, it personally is one of my favorites.
V: You have some really interesting stories Mr. Boyle, such as “Chicxulub”, but “Killing Babies” is really quite and interesting story regarding abortion through the eyes of a recovering drug addict. What issue surrounding the battle of pro-choice vs. pro-life were you trying to address?
B: I was trying to bring up questions of whether there is a double- standard on each side of the abortion debate, as far as some pro-life activists murdering abortion clinic doctors as opposed to a pro-choice activist murdering a pro-life activist. I wanted to get people thinking of who may be portrayed as a villain more.
V: It really get me to think those things exactly, you’re quite good with getting your audience to think you know. How is the character, Rick supposed to be perceived, since he seems to make improvements in his life, then goes on to murder a bunch of people?
B: I don’t like to dictate what my characters are to my readers, however, Rick is very interesting. Doesn’t he really become a better person overall though? After all he really has no purpose in life, before he meets Sally, and he takes up the pro-choice advocacy. Overall though Rick cannot handle the pressures of a purpose driven life, and so he collapses under this weight.
V: Wow you’re a very insightful guy.
B: What can I say, I try.
V: Speaking of Sally what role does she play, is she a source of grace to Rick?
B: I personally think so, she is the driving force behind his life, at this point, and he sees her confront her problems with her pregnancy, while he is unable to step up and face his demons with drugs.
V: Mr. Boyle it has been great talking with you and you’re story “Killing Babies” was quite interesting and thought provoking, I cannot wait to talk to you again.
B: Thanks, I’ve enjoyed being, here and talking about what I think is one of my more interesting works.