Speaker: Bill Sullivan
Making non-fiction writing exciting
Bill Sullivan shared his writing experience with us, telling us what worked and what was a struggle. He is the author a dozen books, and writes for the Register Guard.
Bill started in freelance writing and teaching. He jokes that his wife gave him 7 years to complete a successful book, and after that he’d have to get a job as a clerk at K-mart.

He began with a “How to” book but ended up signing a “buy out” contract so he didn’t make much money, although the book was successful. He then did some “ghost writing” on a textbook for his brother. He and his brother also printed their own book, a collection of their father’s columns while at the Stateman Journal in Salem.

Bill discovered success when he wrote a book about his travels across Oregon, hiking from the coast to Hells Canyon. He successfully wrote 2 books: a guidebook and an adventure story from his hiking experience. Before the trip, he wrote notes on history, flora and fauna, to add to what he experienced. During his trip, he kept several journals, which he let us look at. He told us to journal about everything. The book is called “Listening for Coyote".

But he then realized that he could make 10 times as much, if he self published his books. He uses a printing factory - $8,000 for 5,000 books = $1.70. Distribution can take 60 percent. He does self promotion through a book tour of the state, giving slide shows and talks.

Pitfalls of self-publishing
- printing too many copies and not being able to sell them
- expensive software needed for layout
- marketing

Tips for writers
- journal every experience
- work for deadlines
- if self-publishing, get help on editing and proofreading, and marketing
- try print on demand first, if want to self publish

His most recent book was written about Oregon’s history of natural disasters. He added fiction to this book, looking to a made-up future event. He took historical, scientific information, and interpreted it to layman’s terms for a general audience. Check out his website for more information: Oregon Hiking - Bill Sullivan

His talk was very motivating! I might have to look into self publishing, but first I need to write a book.

Last night, I drove down to Eugene for my Willamette Writers group meeting. I found a seat in the back this time, so I could take the presentation in from a different perspective. It was nice to see all the other writers interested in the speaker, listening closely.

Our speaker was Shannon Applegate, a creative non-fiction writer from Oregon. She spoke on weaving historical and personal truths throughout a work. Specifically, she talked about writing a memoir. She defined for us the difference between an autobiography and a memoir. I found this interesting, as I did not know myself the differences.

Autobiography - a chronological, linear accumulation of experience, usually starting with birth and recounting all significant events throughout a life. An autobiography usually omits nothing significant but rather is considered a "sum-happy".

Memoir - a vivid, intense specific life experience described for readers. Rich in detail, revealing a changing to the soul. A memoir is described as a window into life or a lens - a narrow focus.

Shannon emphasized the need to tell the truth, citing several recent examples of false memoirs being published - or literary hoaxes. Misrepresentations by authors have shaped literary history, for example some historic liars - Thomas Chatterton and James McPherson, used their imagination to create "truths". Another hoax writer - Clifford Michael Irving, his story is told in the movie "The Hoax".

Shannon illustrated how things are remembered, going to the root of the word - meaning re-member - to put back together to have a whole body, each member or part at a time. She also made it clear that writing a memoir makes it more real than the actual event, going so far as to say it cannibalizes your memory. A new truth is invented in remembering.

She shaped how she shaped the narrative of her books, using dialog, making sure to check with the other person speaking, to make sure it was all remembered correctly. What I remember and what you remember may be different. She said to capture the truth and the spirit of what was said. She says that a memoir is crafted, as is every text.

She made a point to say she includes a bibliography for each book, letting readers see the facts. As for research, she answered the question, when do you know when to stop researching, with when you run into the same facts you've seen before.

Her books include "Skookum" and "Living Among Headstones".

I learned a lot, thinking of several themes or topics I could write about. It's a big world out there, with such a rich history. I just need to find a time and a place I'd like to write about.

I visited my first Willamette Writers group meeting in Eugene last night. I was a little nervous to walk in alone and meet new people. But, it went very well. I met a fellow writer and we chatted about our cats. The group seemed to be very open to new members.

Our speaker, Melinda Dille, offered her story on the path to publishing her book. I learned a lot from the speaker. I connected with what she said, and enjoyed her stories. She went through her process of publishing from beginning to end. It took over a year for the whole process, with a lot of work involved.

Melinda gave us a few tips on the publishing process:

Put it out there - it doesn't have to be perfect or complete
Don't judge it or yourself
Let your editor help you but also, stick up for yourself if it's something important
Don't stop - don't let setbacks get you down
Be patient
Write what you know
Again, I hear the story of my life - be patient. As I drove home from Eugene, my mind was full! I wished I could download my brain. I sang to the music and my thoughts seemed to be going as fast as I travelled! I formed a complete idea of what I could write a book about. I just hope I can continue with my ideas. I am so inspired! I am a writer at heart!

Thank you Melinda Dille!

Visit her website - Tales From the Dog Park

Last week, after feeling frustrated about not being able to write as often as I wanted to, I decided to join a local writers group. I found information on the Willamette Writers Group and decided to join. I received the monthly newsletter on Friday and eagerly read through its contents.

I am excited to get more involved with writing, getting back to doing what I love. My first meeting with the Willamette Writers group is this week. I hope to learn the tricks of publishing my own work, generating more article queries, and learning how to think up interesting new article ideas.