"Interviews on the Mountain" Exclusive Video: William Whitworth

Any piece of writing not edited with care and insight can be the equivalent of viewing an object through smudged glass. William Whitworth, editor emeritus of The Atlantic Monthly, and former writer and editor for The New Yorker, exemplifies the best in editorial subtlety, brainpower, and grace. On June 22, 2011, Mr. Whitworth joined OA editor Marc Smirnoff for an on-stage discussion at the debut of The Oxford American Summit for Ambitious Writers.

Smirnoff reports that it took badgering nearly classifiable as coercion to persuade Mr. Whitworth to share his experiences and his quiet wisdom, but, Smirnoff said, "I'm glad I'm a badgerer."

We're honored Mr. Whitworth agreed to be interviewed and we hope the discussion is of value to others.