Author: Dan White

Journalist and novelist Peggy Townsend says: “One of the most powerful tools at a writer’s disposal is the interview.Whether its purpose is for narrative non-fiction, biography or fiction,the interview is a foundation of great storytelling.  In this workshop we will study effective interview techniques — from how to ask tough questions to drawing information from reluctant subjects to the role of our own lives in productive dialogue.  We will do close readings of interviews such as Richard Meryman’s poignant last talk with Marilyn Monroe, Truman Capote’s ego-clashing session with Marlon Brando, and a serialized reconstruction of a century-old love affair as a way explore the elements of a good interview: preparation, persistence, flexibility, courage, and curiosity. In-class exercises will help the writer hone their listening and observational skills as a way to create compelling, dramatic story.” The workshop is Saturday Sept  8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Capitola Book Cafe. Sign up for…

Thanks to everyone who showed up for this.  I had students from all across town and all over the hill (one drove here from San Jose). Several volunteered to read their work out loud — and so much of what they read was touching, specific, evocative and hilarious. There was mystical writing, biographical sketches, a William Least Heat Moon-style road trip, and place portraits focusing on a location in Santa Cruz. Each of these sketches was so different, you’d swear they were talking about different locations. Students imagined they were strangers visiting their own houses, describing them from an outsider’s perspective. They did close readings of Jonathan Raban, Annie Dillard, David Foster Wallace and John Jeremiah Sullivan, and wrote several on-the-spot sketches. We shared tales of triumph and absolute horror from the publishing industry.  It was a remarkable group of people. Anyhow, I always get so much out of these…

Listen in on my recent interview with the celebrated author T.C. Boyle about environmental themes in his fiction, starting with “The Extinction Tales,” which we are proud to feature in the inaugural issue of Catamaran, which will be coming to a bookstore near you this October. In other news, there are still a couple of spots left in my writing workshop tomorrow (Saturday) at the Capitola Book Cafe:  In addition to the reading and writing exercises that will be sent directly to your email, we’ll also do an additional reading (a great one from Jonathan Raban) in class, some on-the-spot writing assignments and a piece of travel writing that you will complete later on. See you all in a few hours! http://cactuseaters.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

This just in — and it will give you a strong sense of what we will be talking and writing about. See you soon. http://cactuseaters.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

First of all, it is filling up fast so if you want a spot, call them up.  Also, I forgot to mention: please bring, aside from the reading and writing and your notebook, a brown-bag lunch so we can have a ‘working lunch’ around noontime. Thanks, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all very soon! Last time I had a blast teaching this class, but it went so quickly. So much was left unsaid, and I want everyone to write their on-the-spot assignments at a much more leisurely pace. This longer format class will allow that to happen.  I’ve also allowed some extra time so we can all talk about things like writing groups (and how to find a good writing group), pursuing a freelancing career, launching your first book projects, etc. Also, in other news, my interview with TC Boyle will soon be up in Catamaran Literary Reader’s…

Hello, Cactuseaters readers. Lots and lots of news to share with you during this busy month.  For starters, I just found out that the short nonfiction piece I’m going to read at the San Jose State event is going to be published (!)  which means that the talk will be a kind of ‘sneak preview.’ I’m pretty sure the publishing event won’t happen until several weeks after the talk so you’ll get the first look if you go to my event with my wife, Amy Ettinger.  I”ll share the name of the publication and the particulars as the date approaches. Right around the same time, I found out that The Cactus Eaters, at this late hour, is going to be reviewed in a national magazine, which is really great news, too. Eager to see what they’ll say. Also, I just had a really good phone conversation with one of my…

Hi everyone — just wanted to give you and update on my upcoming class in late August. We’ll do some writing exercises and discussion, we’ll talk about ‘reading like writers,’ and then do some in-depth, craft-based readings of a few great travel and place pieces. My list of writers, so far: John Jeremiah Sullivan, Annie Dillard, Tom Bissell, Terry Tempest Williams (and others.) Also, at the suggestion of two former students, I’ll have some practical writing-life material too (encouraging stories, as well as horror stories, from the the freelance world, publishing, etc.) I’ll talk about a whole bunch of stuff that I would never even think about posting to this blog, including some things that will make your ears fall right off when you hear them. In other news, for the first time since hiking the Pacific Crest Trail,  I consumed a piece of prickly pear cactus. This time, it…

For me, this magazine article by David Remnick was like a gift at the end of a productive but drawn-out day. http://cactuseaters.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

hi everyone –I just wanted you to know that I’ll be teaching an expanded version of my place writing/travel writing class once more at the Capitola Book Cafe this summer. The class is set for August 25 at the Book Cafe  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  I am putting together a list of readings and preliminary assignments. Last class was wonderful but the time passed by so quickly (only two hours.) This new format will give us much more breathing room and allow you to delve more deeply into each exercise and exploration. Bring a sandwich and brown bag for a ‘working lunch,’ and I’ll see you all soon. Almost forgot to mention that you should register directly through the Book Cafe (and not through this Cactuseaters blog.) http://cactuseaters.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

I’ve become involved with this brand-new magazine based right here in Santa Cruz, CA. The first issue — which is forthcoming this fall — will have all kinds of surprises, including my Q & A with one of my favorite fiction writers, but I should keep my mouth shut for the time being and let you find out for yourself. Look for it in an indie bookstore soon. Anyhow, if you take a look at the link I enclosed, you will see a Catamaran video with all of us gathered at the beautifully refurbished Salz tannery site, which is now a major center for the arts on the Central Coast. http://cactuseaters.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default