At first, you may be struck by how young Ellroy sounds. Then again, why would I assume he'd sound old? Okay, getting off track here.
The Writer's Studio series is a taped live event with well known writers as they talk about their work and read from their work. Moderated appearances are rarely any good, but this one with Ellroy is a breath of fresh air.
Why? Because the author himself is a reflection of the way his words are on page...they leap off and stick inside your head like a catchy song that ceases to let go. Ellroy's genius is in his rhythmic ability with words. But that doesn't quite explain it. He, at first impression, comes off a bit arrogant and brutal in his opinions, but as more minutes sink in while listening to him, we realize that he and his opinions are as honest as his characters are. False modesty? Not in Ellroy's make-up.
Humor? He's got a brand of his own. They say style comes from having clarity in one's thought and expression. James Ellroy confirms a style all his own in this piece and The Writer's Studio captured the hour, as always, with virtuosity.