Acclaimed Author Danielewski Pens Epic 1,200-Page Western Novel

In the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, acclaimed author Mark Z. Danielewski was inspired to write about his hometown of Provo, Utah. What began as a novella quickly evolved into a sweeping 1,200-page western epic titled "Tom's Crossing." The novel, which Danielewski considers the pinnacle of his work, follows the story of Kalin March, who plans to free a pair of horses from their rich and temperamental owner. Luckily, Kalin is traveling with the ghost of his best friend, Tom, and Landry, Tom's younger sister.

Danielewski describes the writing process as an exhausting yet rewarding experience, with 10 drafts and a starting manuscript length of 1,800 pages. He says the book's unique tempo and structure, which includes a Greek chorus-like commentary, allowed him to enter a flow state during the pandemic. Despite his deep love of the cinematic nature of "Tom's Crossing," Danielewski believes the novel is ultimately unfilmable, much like his previous work "House of Leaves."

As Danielewski embarks on a tour for "Tom's Crossing," he is coming to terms with saying goodbye to the characters and the voice that led him to create this epic work. He expresses a deep connection to the story and the sense of isolation he experienced during the pandemic, which he believes influenced the writing.