Esteemed author Barrett Bowlin visited SUNY Cortland to teach a workshop, judge a writing contest, and speak about his latest work – a collection of short story thrillers – Ghosts Caught On Film.
On Wednesday, April 12th, Barrett Bowlin visited SUNY Cortland to host a writing workshop “And Then What Happened?” and a reading of his recent collection Ghosts Caught On Film.
I had the pleasure of attending Bowlin’s reading, and would highly suggest to anyone if he’s ever back on campus to do the same. Especially for all those interested in literature, Bowlin hosted a wonderful workshop and reading for all the bookworms out there.
The reading, held in the Dowd Gallery “Imagination Celebration” truly spoke to the current exhibit. Ghosts On Film is imagination at its best. The opening line to the collection in the story New Careers in Science is “We can save ourselves by understanding what kills us,” capturing exactly what writing can do for readers. Powerful writing, like Bowlin’s work, can offer us salvation and destruction at the same time.
In the Q&A portion of the event, Bowlin told us a little bit more about himself. He began his higher education journey by going on the pre-med track for his undergrad, which he completed. It wasn’t until grad school that Bowlin began to take writing seriously. When asked how he got interested in writing in the first place, Bowlin told us of his love for reading goes hand in hand with his writing.
I had the opportunity to ask Bowlin a few questions, along with the other attendees of his reading.
Q: How was the transition from pre-med to writing? Do you base all your writing on scientific topics?
A: I worked professionally in science, but honestly, it was depressing.
Bowlin then told us how he still utilizes his love for science in his current work, writing mostly stories that involve medicine. He said that this career has been “the best of both worlds.” Personally, I’ve never encountered stories that harp on medicine and science as much as Bowlin’s.
Q: What’ his’s your biggest inspiration for your work?
A: It’s really my love for science. I get inspired when I see an anecdote or a headline, and I just can’t get it out of my brain until I write about it.
Q: Do you have a lot of stories you don’t publish?
A: The majority of my work is sitting ignored in a drawer.
Q: Do you write better when you’re feeling one strong emotion?
A: Angry all the way. When I’m angry I get shit done.
Q: What’s your perfect writing vibe?
A: Insane amounts of caffeine, at night, by myself, and industrial noises like Trent
Reznor instrumentals playing
The Q&A also featured a lot of questions from aspiring writers, hoping to pick some advice from Bowlin’s brain.
Q: Do you base characters on people you know?
A: Every character is a weird Frankenstein monster of personalities and traits that I’ve
encountered.
Q: Do you know the end before you write the story or are you coming to the conclusion
along with the reader?
A: I always want the ending to surprise me. If I’m trying to work towards an ending, I
find the writing isn’t as good. If the ending isn’t satisfactory to me I stick it in a
drawer until I figure it out.
Q: What advice would you give to struggling writers?
A: Read like a bastard. If you read a lot, you’ll be kicking ass and taking names.
When I asked Bowlin about his time at SUNY Cortland, he was very grateful so many wonderful students and faculty showed up and were so interested in his workshop and reading. Bowlin also gave us what I think is the best piece of advice for any writer out there: write about your passions.
If you’re now inspired to get writing, it’s your lucky day. SUNY Cortland English Department is hosting an Opening Scene Prose Contest, judged by Barrett Bowlin.
We want your best, most compelling opening scene for a short story, novel, essay, memoir, or any other prose you want to throw our way. What plot points are going to force the reader to move forward? What character descriptions are going to make us stay with them for the long haul? And how does your style demand that we keep going? Send us your best opening scenes of 2000 words or fewer.
First place will receive $100, along with being published in Crystallize Review along with other finalists!
I encourage you to take Bowlin’s advice and write about something you’re really passionate about. The contest is open to all current SUNY Cortland students with a deadline of May 12th. Direct any questions to Heather Bartlett (heather.bartlett@cortland.edu) and submit your work HERE