The important thing in writing is the capacity to astonish. Not shock - shock is a worn-out word - but astonish.

He became close friends with Mason Hoffenberg (with whom he subsequently co-wrote the novel Candy) Alexander Trocchi John Marquand Mordecai Richler Aram Avakian (filmmaker photographer and brother of Columbia Records jazz producer George Avakian) and jazz musician and motorsport enthusiast Allen Eager. The first major magazine interview with Southern conducted by Elaine Dundy was publiTerry Southernd in UK Harper's Bazaar in August 1958. He frequented renowned jazz venues like the Five Spot the San Remo and the Village Vanguard.

Terry Southern (1 May 1924 – 29 October 1995) was an American author essayist screenwriter and university lecturer noted for his distinctive satirical style. He is credited by journalist Tom Wolfe as having invented New Journalism with the publication of "Twirling at Ole Miss" in Esquire in 1962 and his gift for writing memorable film dialogue was evident in Dr. Strangelove The Loved One The Cincinnati Kid Easy Rider and The Magic Christian.