Two weeks ago in New York, I had the privilege of appearing on a panel at the Backspace Conference. It was my first experience at a writing conference, and one I'd recommend to anyone in our solitary profession. During my four days in the city, I made friendships that feel destined to last, impressed the hell out of myself as I sipped martinis in the Algonquin bar, and attended crowded literary cocktail parties. I also had a chance to speak to an audience about my experience a
s a debut author.
But the highlight of the week was one I almost missed. A writer by the name of David Morrell was scheduled to give the keynote address. From the brief bio included in the schedule, I quickly decided that Mr. Morrell wrote the kind of taut male thrillers my husband sometimes reads, but I never do. (One of his early novels was First Blood, the basis for the Rambo series.)
I'd met the author during one of the "mixers," and he seemed like a nice man, but I doubted he had much to say to me personally. After all, we were different kinds of writers. Or so I thought. I will always be grateful to the friend who convinced me to stay for his address.
By the time it was finished, I realized that there is only one kind of writer worth being, and David Morrell had given us a living demonstation of who that was. As the writing cliche goes, he didn't tell us how to captivate an audience, he showed us. And he did it so powerfully that many people left the room in tears--and everyone left inspired.
He began with a simple question: why do you want to be a writer? Then, after eliminating all the easy answers, he moved on to a statement that has stayed with me. I'm paraphrasing here, but it was something like, "I'm going to tell you my story, but as I do, you're going to hear your story."
And as he spoke, sharing a story that held us entranced and left us deeply moved, that was exactly what happened: He told us his story, but in the universality of the emotions it evoked, we heard our own. And strangely, miraculously, we understood it better than we ever had before.
That, I realized, is the storyteller's art, the purest form of literary magic. It's what every reader or moviegoer hungers for when we open a book or enter a theatre. We want to go on that mythical journey that will not only entertain us; it will expand our hearts, illuminate the dark places inside us, and ultimately enlarge our vision of what it means to be human.
Patry Francis, Books Correspondent:
Patry's column, Diary of a First Novelist, published every week to Gather Essentials: Books. It will detail all she knows--and is in the process of learning--about writing and publishing.
To learn more about Patry and her debut novel, The Liar's Diary, visit her Website,
You can find all of Patry's articles, Diary of a First Novelist, at www.gather.com/patryfrancis
Keep up with Patry’s other postings and Gather activity by joining her Gather network -- just click here and select the orange “Connect” button on the left-hand side of the page
You’ll find Patry and other Book Correspondents, plus celebrity author content and plenty of other bibliophiles at Books.gather.com
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 65
The words of David Morrell are pearls to tuck away and pull out when needed.
Kathryn: He also had a book on sale at the conference called Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing. I think he sold out three minutes after his talk. (Fortunately, I was the first in line.)
Mary, Lori F.: Thank you for reading!
Trish: Thanks for letting me know about the link. I'll check it out...(undoubtedly my error.)
tamara k.: Thank you so much for your kind words about The Liar's Diary! I also had the impression that David Morrell was an unusually nice person--warm, unpretentious, truly interested in other people.
Julie: Nothing could make me feel happier than sending someone back to the writing desk--where, ahem, I plan to go myself in just a few minutes.
Scott: To the hilt!
Janelle: Inspiration is twice as powerful when you share it. Thanks for your comment!
Sheila: I suspect that every conference is different. Hopefully, you get at least one speaker like David Morrell.
Cool biography from your web... BOXERS and A FINER MAN.
I guess he trick YOU, your Grand Old Man...
I can say truly with all my knowledge to ''survive'' is ''WITH KICKS'' ...
and I could say he loves you very much...
Machiavelli: I like your interpretation of my bio. Thanks for checking out the Website--and yes, he did (does) love me very much.
That is a simply amazing ( and true, I think)) statement. Astonishing, and very perceptive! Thanks so much for bringing it to us!
(As for the misspellings, you're talking to the queen of typos here.)
Jerri: Thanks for reading.
Katrina: It was very profound for me; and even more so when he demonstrated it by eliciting tears from many in the audience.
Pat: If you ever get the chance to hear him speak, don't miss it.
Now, I'll pick up your book. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Jerry R
Jerry: Oh, how I wish I could write a song--or play an instrument. I love the way musicians can get together anywhere and create joy. Your book of songs commbined with photos and writing sounds fascinating and unique. Good luck!
Jerry R
Do you know how many musicians and songwriters wish they'd just published their first novel? We ll have different gifts. That's why we all need each other.
Jerry R
Again, thank you. My brain is in neutral as I've been looking at nothing but pictures for several days. I needed a literary break but still can't shift to first to make any sensible comment except "Thank you."
P.S. You're so right about different gifts. I adore music, and admire musicians, but I love creating my own world in a novel.
Cee D.: I know what you mean. There are so many wonderful things to read on Gather. It can easily consume half your life! I allow myself an hour or so a day to meander through the riches, but I know I miss a lot. In any case, I'm happy to have you in my network.
Sandra: A "brain in neutral" is something I understand all too well--especially after a day of writing. Thank you for your comment.
I really believe that everyone has a talent and if we put our minds to it we can accomplish anything with our God Given Talent.
Have a Nice Day and God Bless,
Donald
"I am going to tell you my story, and as I do you are going to hear yours" is the truth of good storytelling. Well, First person narrative storytelling at least. To be the whole truth it needs I would add, the quest of the reader, seeking a story that could be the reader's story. "Tell me a story I can relate to." "tell me a story that could be my story."
And then there is Gather. It is big enough to be a writer's round table, an editor's horseshoe desk and a reporter's notebook. All in that solitary space every writer must have, or create, the quiet glen of a writer's mind.
Last word, or words, How many different stories can you tell with the letters Patry Francis, and the rest of the Alphabet? You may use any letter you find there as often as you like, and if you wish you may refer to the Dictionary, Thesaurus, Vocabulary Builder, and Atlas.
Karl: Since coming home and sharing the substance of Morrell's speech with writers and non-writrs alike, I've realized you are right. Much of what he said applies to everyone. We all have a past we're trying to understand; we're all broken in some way. Writing is just one way of dealing with it--though for some of it, it feels like the only way. Thanks for such a thought-provoking comment.
Ilsa: Thank you!
Can you talk more about the conference? Or is there a website to check it out? Great article. My favorite part of this article is the realization that you never know where the next bit of inspiration is going to come from, so try and grab as many opportunities out there as you can.
Got your book in the mail yesterday and have started reading it. Pulled me in, right away.
Sold the movie rights yet?
Jerry
Christine: Yes! The line from The Hostory Boys captures it completely--and makes me want to see the play.
This link, written by the marvelous writer, Robin Slick, will tell you more about the conference--AND it includes the transcript of Morrell's speech. One caveat, much of his most powerful material seem to come up spontaneously and is not included. Still, I consider it must reading for any writer.
The link: http://inherownwrite.blogspot.com/2007/06/three-days-at-algonquin-does-anything.html
Jerry: I'm so excited to think of the book in your hands. Right now. No word on the movie rights yet...Maybe by the end of the week?
The scream as a race down the hall goes something like this: "Ahhhh! Guy flick!!! But now that I understand how much heart the author puts into his work, I realize that people have continued to watch and rewatch those films for a reason--and it's not just the action.
When you can't believe what you see, all bets are off, and everything seems threatening. I know the "score" now,. and the secondary composer, but much remains to be revealed.
Excellent job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'd strongly recommend this book..
Jerry
Reading your book, it sent the shudders through me, because I became friends with a woman on a flight from Chicago to Connecticut, several years ago who had a frighteningly near-identical situtation in her marriage. I was sitting in the plane, and the doors had already closed when she came rushing down the aisle to take the empty seat next to me. And then, it all came pouring out. Her story was your story. She was also a writer, Her husband was a child psychiatrist. I kept in touch with her for a few months at a particulalry distressing time in her life, and we often had long conversations by phone. Once, she was hiding under her kitchen table when she called me, terrified. I already had one of her books, and I shared my music with her. Even wrote a song about her.. not one I ever do, but I liked the chorus enough to remember it. A musician's perspective..
And what can you do when the last song is played
And the band is all packed up and ready to leave?
Just bid them goodnight, and when you turn off the lights
Say a prayer for the sailors at sea
A fine book.... gottat stop typing this message and get back to it..
Jerry
Congratulations!
Jerry R
Tina, Andrew: Thanks for your friendship--and your comments.
It's the old story. You think somethink only happens in books and movies, and then it happens to you or a friend, and when you open up about it, it turns out be quite commonplace. I have another woman friend who discovered that the husband in her first marriage was gay. I have someone in my family whose husband ran off with another man, and my college professor, after his wife died, finally accepted that he was homosexual and met a wonderful man who he lived successfully with for many years. I have a friend who has Aids, and another friend whose brother died from it. Same thing with health problems. The Doctor tells you that you have something and you can't even pronounce it. But, mention it to other people and someone invariably says, "Oh, my brother-in-law had that." (And then they're likely to add.. "He died from it."
It's too bad people are secretive. If you keep everything to yourself, you end up living in a prison of your own design. "Put your hand on the ha'nt" and you deal with it.
Jerry R
Wise words, eloquently spoken.
Eric: Isn't Rambo II "First Blood"? Unfortunately, I've never seen any of them, though now
I intend to rent one. Whether a particular kind of story is your cup of tea or not, there's no underestimating how much you can learn from a master storyteller. And after hearing Morrell speak, I can say with certainty he is that.
What wonderful piece you wrote about the conference. I was on the Backspace web site today and saw that you were a key speaker. Congrats!
I also found David Morrell's article on "Why Do You Want to be a Writer?" Here is the link:
http://www.bksp.org/secondarypages/articles/authors/DMorrell1.htm
Anthony: Backspace was a wonderful experience for me in all ways. I can't wait for the 2008 conference which will also be held in New York! Thanks so much for posting the link.