GEORGE SAUNDERS HAS A FEW GOOD WORDS FOR WRITERS (AND READERS)
George Saunders’ interviewer led off with a semi-familiar quote: “People forget what you said, and they forget what you did, but they never forget how you made them feel.” Saunders makes you feel better about yourself, and the world in general.
Speaking to an overflow crowd in San Francisco while on tour with his new book, the renowned writer (Congratulations, by the Way; Lincoln in the Bardo and many others) and teacher (in the creative writing program of Syracuse University) stuck largely to discussion of his new novel, Vigil. Vaguely reminiscent of his Booker Prize winning reimagining of Lincoln’s struggle to accept the death of his young son, Saunders’ new novel takes place at the bedside of an oil tycoon en route from this world to the next.
But in almost throw-away comments during his recent talk were several gems worth sharing. The talented writer/teacher, whom you would imagine to be well in control of his thoughts, more than once spoke of “blurting out” something, and whether or not the writer can “trust that blurt.” What a literary comfort: the notion that the blurts we all have — sometimes rapid fire all day long — might be worth trusting.
I may steal another phrase from a passing commentary. Speaking of raising characters (and events) “to the highest level,” Saunders asserted there’s value even with unsavory characters being raised “to the highest level of jerkitude.” Jerkitude is everywhere today.
But it was the kindness factor this writer was listening for, and Saunders did not disappoint. In a recent New York Timesinterview, David Marchese mentioned Saunders’ being thrust into “a public role as something close to a guru of goodness after his convocation speech to Syracuse graduates.” That speech, “extolling the life-altering virtue of practicing kindness” evolved into his wildly popular book Congratulations, by the Way. It was interesting to find, in discussions with a few of the 1,000+ attendees before and after the San Francisco event, how many had come just wanting to be reassured of goodness in the world.
Saunders with interviewer Vendela Vida (Author photo)
I spoke with a half-dozen attendees afterwards, none of them disappointed. “Even if his satire is sharp and sometimes wicked,” said one; “somehow his characters embody basic goodness.”
After his talks, Saunders traditionally stays to personalize signed books and be snap-photographed with fans and readers. With lines snaking around blocks it has to be an exhausting time even if you know you’re selling a lot of books. (I passed on the line, but had bought a ticket that included a signed copy of Vigil. Now a few chapters in, I give it multiple thumbs-up.)
Bottom line: Reading (books!) is essential, especially if you want to write. Writing is a craft that needs constant work; drawing tips from a master, when you get the chance, is a bonus. Also:
Kindness is never wrong.
Hi, Fran! I was at that event with my writing group–or most of them, anyway, as a couple of women don’t live in the Bay Area and so participate via Zoom. Not surprised I didn’t see you, since the place was packed! I’m reading Bleak House for the first time now, and that’s going to take a little while, but *Vigil* is next on my list. It will be my first Saunders novel, although I read and appreciated *A Swim in a Pond in the Rain,* his book about Russian writers.
Packed to overflowing, that event. Saunders is good in so many different literary directions, lucky for us all! Same’s true for David Guterson, whom I just heard at Mechanics Library. Guterson (also a fine if former teacher) hasn’t gotten the widespread accolades etc since Snow Falling on Cedars and I hope his new book changes that. So many books, so little time!
He has made it big, which is well-deserved. Recently he was a guest on Colbert’s late-night show. I enjoyed Colbert’s interview with him.
I missed that. But bet it was a fine time. He has a wonderful wit.