by Allie Jemison and Kerry Burke
Concluding the Ivy Hall Writers Series and Writers Roundtable at SCAD Atlanta were authors Chuck Klosterman and Arliss Ryan, who took time out of their busy schedules to give many aspiring writers advice about the writing and publishing industry as well as personal anecdotes on their careers.
During his recent visit to SCAD Savanah, Klosterman, the author of “Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto,” sat down for an interview with District, which can be found here. Klosterman also gave advice to students at SCAD Atlanta on Oct. 7. “Reality,” he stated, “is imposed on us. Realness is what we impose back … something about the way it is [presented] that causes you not to argue with the source.” This statement was in reference to the topic of Lil Wayne, realness and reality.
Aniz Ansari, a third-year photography and professional writing student, beamed as she spoke about being a fan of the flamboyant and witty writer, stating, “He writes the way he talks to people. I thought he was very informative and frank about the publishing industry … He writes with humor and his personal experiences help him to speak on bigger things.”
Arliss Ryan, author of “The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare,” gave her lecture to SCAD students on Oct. 12. She also participated in a question-and-answer session with SCAD Atlanta students, including members of the MFA business and professional writing department.
Ryan’s workshop provided students with insights on the publishing process and her own career. “I used to use the yellow pages to find graphic designers. Then, I would go to their place of business and introduce myself as a writer. That was how I got much of my early work,” she said. The author brought her portfolio for students to view and spoke about the variance of background knowledge in her writing. “I wrote for hospitals and banks,” Ryan stated. “I know nothing about banking or anything medical, but you have to be willing to learn.”
On the subject of book publishing, Ryan discussed the painful rejection process that most authors endure. “My first book was rejected 25 times before I found a publisher that was interested in it,” she said. Ryan also shared with students how the publishing world has changed over the years. “It used to be that you could find a publisher and have a lifetime relationship with them. Now, publishers want you to keep publishing the same thing and if you want to write something of a different genre, you are forced to shop for a new publisher.”
Ryan also discussed the editing process, which also can be an arduous experience. Her most recent novel underwent five revisions before its publication. “It’s hard because you get attached to the way you write something. Then, an editor wants you to change the angle of a story or cut something out. You have to ask yourself, ‘What is more important? Keeping the integrity of your story or getting published?’”
For Ryan, writing has become a family affair. She referred to her husband, naval architect Eric W. Sponberg, as a “groupie” who attends her book tours and accompanies her in her travels when doing research. Her son, Dane, is a graduate of SCAD Savannah and a professional photographer. Dane is often requested to read his mother’s drafts prior to their publication. “I am very grateful to have the support of my family,” she commented. “It is because of them that I am able to do what I love.”