What seems a lifetime ago, I was teaching at the Warren School where each year the school had an artist in residence. One year that was author Katherine Paterson (Bridge to Tarabithia, Liddie), the only 'famous' author I ever met, until tonight. Of course I have met many authors, but not of New York Times fame!
Last night we met Chris Bohjalian. How does someone who has written 20 books, been on the NYT best sellers list multiple times, have books made into movies and travels our planet regularly, communicate with an audience of plain and simple folks. Yes, some Durangoans can match Chris on some 'famous' level, but knowing many of the folks in attendance, they are not much different from me... hard working, family loving, active folks who love the planet, want sanity in our world and try to give more than they receive. I guess that could describe Chris Bohjalian as well, with the added caveat of celebrated writer. Chris made us all feel we mattered. He always asked folks for their name and then addressed them as such. He inspired people with his own reality of what it means to be an author. He shared his approach, making sure we understood that his job as a writer is work (as in endless labor of love), but that he absolutely loves each phase. He impressed upon us how vital to his writing his wife Victoria and daughter Grace Experience are to the plan.
Chris was articulate, which of course one would expect, personable and easily able to keep the entire audience engaged. After 20 books and a zillion presentations and book signings, he is practiced and smooth. His joy became our joy. One tidbit I loved was his love of words. There is a podium in his home with a 21 pound dictionary on it. He regularly goes to the dictionary, chooses 3 new words and then tries to incorporate them into his writing that day. Hmmm, what would this post read like if I were to do the same, Could I incorporate petrichor (probably not) or syzygy (probably)? Perhaps you will have to look those words up to see if I made a correct assessment.
I loved hearing his stories, but honestly, in recent years I have read few of his books. Why? A word he used in connection to his writing and the path his books take is "dread". The human condition seems to appreciate a thrill, a scare and a bit of dread. I am over including dread in my daily life. I have lived in those shadows long enough and I need to focus on an offering of hope and encouragement. In order to be the best caregiver I can be, I need to be emotional and spiritually elevated.
I do appreciate the power of his writing; his perceptions and keen insights. I appreciate that he can take an uncomfortable topic and before you know it you are sucked into the character's tumultuous life and needing to know more. Knowing that I like his style and adding dread to my day are two very different paths. My Pollyanna self chooses good against evil, I choose inherent human tendencies that are uplifting. I crave fundamentally grounded and upright behavior that I can strive to mimic.
Russ made a comment when we returned home; "I think Chris is the kind of person who leads by example". In a roomful of people, we did not feel like strangers, we were there for a common purpose and Chis invited us into his world. He easily captured this Durango community, and I am grateful we were able to attend.