Author Event at North Richland Hills Library - Jennifer Egan

Jennifer Egan
author

Recently, Dear Friend and The Travelling Toe, attended an author event at the North Richland Hills Library.

The featured author was 2012 Pulitzer Prize Winner, Jennifer Egan.

The two of us attended the pre-lecture luncheon where we also received the latest book written by Jennifer, "Manhattan Beach".  She autographed our books for us and we were also able to have a photo taken with her.

After the yummy lunch, we then went upstairs area set up for her talk.  We were able to score 2nd row seats.  

Ms. Egan began her presentation by talking about her newest book.  She does not write about herself or the people she knows but about a time and place.  She wants to be transported out of her life and into something new.  

That is certainly true of her book "Manhattan Beach" which takes place in WWII. It deals with the events taking place at the Brooklyn Shipyards and female strength.  The storyline also details the Port of New York and the role it played during the war. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was decommised in the 1960's.  

As she was preparing the material for the book, she took a tour of the decaying Navy Yard and in one of the old offices there were still WWII maps on the walls. Ms. Egan said she spent many hours at the Brooklyn Historical Society going through their records and files. During the war, deep sea divers were used to go underwater to repair ships so that not all of the damaged ships would have to be placed in dry dock. As she researched more she came up with the idea of her main character being a female diver.  

Ms. Egan spoke about her writing process.  She writes the first draft by hand and doesn't want to read what she has written at this time.  She can end up with 1,400 handwritten pages.  She then types the manuscript and makes notes as she is typing.  Shen then reads the draft making changes.  She can have as many as 35-40 drafts.  She is also part of a writers group and there she is able to read her material and in turn they give her feedback on her ideas and the feel of the story.  

Ms. Egan was funny and engaging and totally enjoyable!

After a few questions from the audience, it was time for Ms. Egan to leave.

What another enjoyable lecture and by such an esteemed author at the North Richland Hills Library!

North Richland Hills Library