Hello, and welcome to another episode of Cross Currents, where we interview local people of note. I'm your host Alice Stevens. Today, my special guest is writer Paul Varjak. His first novel has rocketed up the charts and is now the number one bestseller. Please to meet you, Mr. Varjak.

Well, I'm please to be here. And you can call me Paul.

Why, thank you. You can call me Alice.

All right.

As I said, your first novel A Special Place is now number one on the bestseller list. In fact, I have a copy of it here. (She shows it off.) And it has garnered some good reviews, too. New Yorker Magazine calls it one of the best new novels on 1962. And Harpers calls you a bright new star in the book world.

Well, I'm very happy to hear these things, Alice.

Now, I understand that you've been working on this novel ever since 1956, is this true?

Yes, it is. I'll admit that seven years is a long time to work on a novel, but the truth is I was stuck on several passages of it-writer's block, I guess you could say. But I wasn't idle, during that period. I published a book of my short stories called Nice Lives, and I had other stories published in various magazines.

Well, better late than never!

Yes, you're right!

Several of your stories are romances. Would you describe yourself as mainly a romance writer?

I guess it would seem that way. But actually, my latest novel, which will be out soon, has more of a spy/espionage feel.

Like James Bond?

Yes, you can say that. And I'm at work on another novel that's a murder mystery. So, I'm involved with several different genres, actually.

You're pretty diverse.

Yes, I guess I am!

Who are your main influences?

John O'Hara is a big one. And also John Updike and William Faulkner.

Any thoughts of seeing your stories get turned into movies?

Sure, I would like to see that. I think I would really like to see A Special Place get turned into a movie. As a matter of fact, I think Audrey Hepburn would be perfect for the female lead.

I quite agree with you!

Thank you, Alice!

Now, I understand you're getting married soon, is that right?

Sure is!

And I also understand there's something very special about the wedding.

Yes. Holly Golightly-that's my fiancée-and I will have both the ceremony and reception at Tiffany's Jewelry.

How unique! What made you choose that place?

It's her favorite store. Whenever she gets the "mean reds," she goes there, and it always makes her feel better.

The "mean reds?"

It's a sort of a depression. She says it's worse than the blues.

I see! Well, I hope that the two of you have a long and happy marriage.

Thank you, Alice.

And I'm sure that getting married at Tiffany's is many a girl's dream come true!

(chuckling) Yes, I'm sure it is!

Well, I'm afraid we're already out of time! One final question: Any advice for struggling writers out there?

Just keep plugging away, I guess. Also, don't spend all your time working on your "big novel." Do what I did and have several short stories published. That will get you noticed.

That sounds like good advice. Well, I'm afraid we're now out of time. You've been watching another episode of Cross Currents. I'm your host Alice Stevens, and my guest we the author Paul Varjak. Thanks again for being on my show.

My pleasure.