Haruki Murakami doesn’t know how novels will end when he’s writing them, and he likes it that way
Norwegian Wood author says he prefers to let ideas pop up and go with the flow when writing, because ‘it’s no fun … if I already know how it’s going to end’
Haruki Murakami, the Japanese author behind global bestsellers including his latest, Killing Commendatore, has admitted he starts writing without deciding how the story should end. Ideas pop up as he writes, and he goes with the flow while the stories take shape.
“It’s no fun writing a story if I already know how it’s going to end,” Murakami said. “Because the very person who is writing does not know what happens, I think readers would also share the anticipation and enjoy the thrill while reading.”
Murakami Radio is a pre-recorded 55-minute show broadcast only in Japan – his second this year on Tokyo FM after his first in August was a big hit. Music serves as important motifs in his stories. An avid listener and collector of music, he has also written books on the topic.
During Sunday’s show, Murakami played a selection of cover versions from jazz and pop. He opened the show paying tribute to Aretha Franklin, playing her version of Frank Sinatra’s My Way, which he only played partially in his earlier show, a week before the American singer died.
Murakami said he is a “cover maniac” as he likes to listen to the tunes covered in different styles and interpretations.