Friday, December 19, 2008

"HEY THAT'S WALTER ! " A MEMORABLE EVENING LECTURE WITH WALTER MOSLEY

Walter Mosley's Current Novel

Walter Mosley Lecture Hosted by Virginia Peninsula Literary Consortium

“Dedicate some of your life to others. Your dedication will not be a sacrifice. It will be an exhilarating experience because it is an intense effort applied toward a meaningful end.”
—Dr. Thomas Dooley (1927-1961); physician of the US Navy
The Foundation for a Better Life [newsletter@forbetterlife.org

There I sat smack dab in the front middle section of auditorium. Yes, this was really occurring, finally the long anticipated event, an evening with Walter Mosley at the beautiful Ferguson Center’s for the Performing Arts on Christopher Newport’s Campus had arrived. There he stood in his signature panama hat. He was down to earth, very funny, his wit pinched my funny bone, I just couldn’t help but to laugh out loud-it felt good and I definitely was in his amen corner. Friends I tried to capture his words, I felt like my pen wasn’t moving in sync with my brain. I should have just absorbed his words but I couldn’t help it! I wanted to relive the evening on paper for a later time. I held on tight to my pen and tried hard to position my journal so it wouldn’t hit the floor. I am the person in the audience whose paper slides on the floor underneath the seat and isn’t content until I have reclaimed it!

I didn’t want to miss any of the pearls of wisdom he freely shared. And there they were:

“Writing is the heart and soul of me. We all experience suffering. I must give something back. Our work is our reward not payment for our debt. Language not everything, our minds, our radios, words go deep in our heart is essential. Literary life is everything we are and can be. Admitted into kingdom unaware- stories told and retold!”

Walther Mosley now the screen writer, lecturer, author extraordinaire spoke profoundly to our writer’s and reader’s hearts. He answered questions with truth and clarity. He said he didn’t want to put on airs. Forgive me if I misquote him, I believe you’ll appreciate the essence of his sentiment. He announced that he has a “literary life seen or imagined…. Writers are not teachers; readers are more intelligent than the writer. …Writer’s are unraveling the mysteries of life. Words tell you, but images are a dull incantation, the right words must sparkle but not too bright! ”

He encouraged those that love writing to write something daily-never skip a day, even if it’s just several sentences-it’s important to create daily! He remarked that writer’s aren’t able to edit their own work. He adamantly stated, “Strick out what doesn’t belong!”

Walter Mosley was really honest when he declared that his father loved his writings, never criticized his work, but was disappointed when he didn’t acquire a “good job” [meaning a 9 to 5] instead. His father didn’t believe he’d be able to make a living wage writing stories. Walter chuckled at that thought but admitted that his life took a turn financially when Devil in The Blue Dress hit the silver screen. We were encouraged to write what we write about and know that some of our best days may mean sitting in our robes glued to our computers, never leaving the house until our work has been birthed. He mused “Now that’s a productive day.” He was really funny when he shared that he didn’t have an exciting life that many others imagine; he simply writes about what’s occurring in their lives.

Much was said, regarding the writers and poets he enjoys, his love of listening to his family share stories, growing up biracial ( Jewish and African American), and the importance of making an impact on our communities.

Friends, I guess what I just discovered , here's the evening hosted with Walter Mosley! Kudos to the VA Peninsula Literary Consortium. Truly the evening was remarkable! No need to search out this enlightening conversation on CSPAN or YouTube, enjoy more photos and podcast:
Learn more about this interesting author :

http://authors.aalbc.com/walter.htm

And by the way he agreed to photos and signing his books after the talk. Yes, indeed yours truly was in line!!! Ain’t God great! Yes I said, "Ain't!" :-) Bless you all!

Joyfully submitted by:
Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

Enjoy other writings:

Click on Blessed Chronicles http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

3 comments:

Mary Moss said...

This sounds like an amazing evening for you! The next time your in Virginia, give me a holler! We'll meet somewhere half-way between Richmond and wherever you are for a cup of coffee!

Blessings to you and I hope you have a blessed Christmas.

Linda and Richard Meadows said...

Ok! Will do!! :-)

Linda and Richard Meadows said...

Ok! Will do!! :-)

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