Conversation 1

William Least HeatöMoon uses his book River-Horse to show Paula Gordon and Bill Russell the purpose(s) with which trips begin. He tells stories that demonstrate his journalist rule of thumb that tough going makes for much better copy. He considers the central role experience plays for a writer. He recalls the origins of Blue Highways.

Conversation 2

Mr. Heat-Moon describes what motivated him to write his adventure with water River-Horse and those of us to whom he speaks in it. He remembers the elements that led to his decision to travel east to west instead of vice versa. Recalling the literary problems and decisions that were critical to the shape River-Horse took, he reveals challenges in a writer's life. He introduces his character, "Pilotus," explaining how Pilotus allowed Mr. Heat-Moon to tell a greater truth that the literal one. He credits feminist writer Mary Kay Blakely (and Virginia Wolff) for helping resolve the problem of Pilotus' gender and expands on the larger challenge.

Conversation 3

River-Horse's broad consideration of the importance of clean water and Mr. Heat-Moon's passion for environmental issues are introduced. He describes his/a reporter-writer's job to "Show, Not Tell," using adventures on the Missouri River as his example, expanding specifically on "river" as metaphor and generally on what contributes to making writing good. He compares how dramatically differently he entered the American landscape in Blue Highways, PrairyErth and River-Horse. He tells a story of Yosemite to illustrate his hope that he helps readers look more closely at land. He offers the essence of his perspective on human existence and experience. He contrasts them to the current political scene and uses arsenic in water as his illustration of destructive short term economic goals, "selfish and private greed" that defy long term well-being on all fronts.

Conversation 4

The monetary discussion of short and long term value continues, with Mr. Heat-Moon using his voyage and the Louisiana Purchase to illustrate. Using his family heritage as an example of how complex America is, he suggests how he distinguishes different elements in his own pysche. Mr. Heat-Moon tells the story of choosing his pen-name and expands on the deep importance that name has had for him. He recites the two slogans he mounted on his boat's bulkhead and explains how they affected his journey. He speaks respectfully of the traveling companion who best knew the Missouri River and draws parallels with honored and ancient river stories. Luck and foolhardiness are examined in light of his slogans.

Conversation 5

Mr. Heat-Moon explains why he believes that our greatest education is encountered when we get into trouble, with examples from his (ultimately successful) attempt to cross America by boat in a single season. He tells why "Time" was the real boat captain. He remembers the adventure's exhilaration and its unrelenting tedium, contrasting both the experiences of 18th and 19th century adventurers in time and space. He describes the Purgatory of urban sprawl he experienced from the river. The trip's fulfillment is considered and compared to Lewis and Clark's journey of conquest and imperialism.

Conversation 6

The conversation turns to the role of rivers in commerce as Mr. Heat-Moon gives examples of the effects of human intervention which raise social, environmental and economic questions for consideration. Stories of the subsidized transportation industry follow, with literary and geographic comparisons. The results of both the process of travel and that of writing are summarized.

Acknowledgements