Notes from a Concordia author

“In a way it’s a story about the impossibility of writing a masterpiece,” says Coutlée of his book, released October 1.

The plot involves the diary of a compulsive writer — who lives in a semi-basement apartment — and the publication of a novel by a character who might be the same protagonist.

“The book follows the structure of Notes from Underground,” says Coutlée, referring to Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s work.

Coutlée started the book in 2011 and wrote parts of it between semesters while enrolled at Concordia.

He studied translation — specializing in English to French — and says it has many parallels with creative writing.

“Translation is a type of creative writing,” he says. “You’re choosing the words, making the interpretation.”

Coutlée explains that writing his master’s thesis helped him refine his craft.

“I translated parts of On the Road by Jack Kerouac. He cared about the sounds and rhythm of his prose. I think that comes across in my work.”

Coutlée’s advice for aspiring writers?

“I would recommend writing short stories. It enables you to experiment with more themes and styles.”

• Read an excerpt from Coutlée’s debut novel.