Panel discusses diverse paths for writers

A panel of four discussed nonfiction writing in, "Exploring the Roles of Nonfiction," on April 16.

The panel discussion was located in the Gonzaga Jundt Art Museum Auditorium and was moderated by Natalie Kusz, a faculty member from Eastern Washington University's Inland Northwest Center for Writers.  Kusz introduced writers Diana Joseph, Lynda Mapes, Kevin Sampsell, and Sallie Tisdale before kicking off the discussion on the purpose of nonfiction writing and the diverse paths for writers within the field. 

Kusz explained that the writing of nonfiction varies from essays to travel writing, Kusz first inquiry to the panel was what the purpose of nonfiction writing is. Although it was acknowledged that there is no absolute definition to capture the essence of all nonfiction Sallie Tisdale, a professor who has taught at New York University and other esteemed colleges in addition to writing many acclaimed provocative stories and essays, stated bluntly that there is, "no meaning or purpose" when writing nonfiction.  According to Tisdale, "Art is good for nothing; it should be good for nothing. It's the only way to have free range."

Taking a different standpoint, Lynda Mapes, an award—winning journalist for the Seattle Times said nonfiction is meant to present the "primal energy" of a person's story. Mapes compares her job to the job of a messenger. Her task is to "carry a story without spilling a drop and then hand it over" to her audience. She says she chooses to write nonfiction because "the real world is so darn interesting you don't need to make up characters. Who can do better than what's already there?"

Diana Joseph, author of many books including, "Happy or Otherwise," and her own memoir, "I'm Sorry You Feel That Way," said the purpose of nonfiction writing is to answer the question, "So what?" by finding meaning in real everyday situations.

Kevin Sampsell, author of both fiction and nonfiction works, including book reviews and essays for the Associated Press and a newly released memoir, "A Common Pornography," views nonfiction as a way to "shine a light, not to tell [readers] how they feel but to present details so they can make their own decision."

In speaking freely about their work, each author offered advice from their personal experience in the nonfiction-writing field.

"Material that embarrasses us is the juiciest material we've got … follow the fire … write for the material itself," Tisdale said.

Mapes advised that aspiring nonfiction authors be "relentless enquirers," and acknowledge that the "really simple questions are the most powerful doors through which you can walk to very wide terrain."

Sampsell referenced his novel while saying, "I'm more interested in the ugly parts of people. When you're writing about yourself it's best to show flaws and let readers connect with those flaws."

He emphasized the importance of the distance in time between when a story takes place in life and the later date when it is told. Joseph explained this distance in her metaphor,

"You can't write about the house that's on fire, while the house is still on fire," Joseph said.

"What you don't remember is just as significant as what you do remember," when writing a memoir. Sampsell shared this sentiment adding that there is an "odd humor" to forgetting how things happen.

The Get Lit writing festival is an annual week of literature appreciation and events that Eastern Washington University puts on. Events of the 12th annual festival began April 14 and concluded April 21. In addition to panels at area colleges and universities, events  included writing workshops, readings, other panels and discussions, film viewing, and photography and art exhibits.

For more information on guest authors and the festival itself visit www.ewu.edu/getlit.