James Salter interview - aired 1 November 1998. In 1998 Eleanor Wachtel spoke with the American novliest and short-story writer, James Salter. Known for his precise and elegant style, he wrote a classic, erotic novel of the early 60s, A Sport and a Pastime. The author of prize-winning books including Dusk and Other Stories, has now received a lifetime achievement award for short fiction. The PEN/Faulkner Foundation announced on Monday, 21 May 2012 that the 86-year-old Salter has won the 25th annual PEN/Malamud Award.