Today I got to experience something that I've been looking forward to since August...listening to Tom Piazza, the author of this year's common book, City of Refuge, speak at our college. Ever since I finished City of Refuge, I couldn't wait to hear Piazza's thoughts on writing the book and the disaster in New Orleans.
As a Creative Writing major, I was naturally curious about the writing process and the experience of writing a novel. I definitely wasn't disappointed, particularly in this aspect. Piazza told us all about his perspective as an author, why he wrote the story in the form of a novel, and about the life of a writer.
When I told him that I'm a Creative Writing major when I was getting my book signed, he laughed and said, "Oh, you poor soul! There's still time to switch!" Joking aside, I was pleased when he gave me some tidbits about the life of a writer and how to be successful as he was signing. The bit that most stuck with me was, "It takes stamina -- but keep at it!"
The experience of meeting a published writer who has survived something as horrific and life-changing as the disaster in New Orleans truly changed my perspective. One of the most gripping things that he said during his presentation was, "When you feel something pulling you, go with it. Don't ignore it." Thinking of all the things I want to do with my life, I felt so validated in feeling what I do about accomplishing things in life and pursuing the things that I am passionate about. I am so thankful to have had the experience of having him visit campus and speak.
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