Author Tony Grooms Visits July 9

Are science fiction and historical fiction more alike than different?

Author and professor, Anthony Grooms will discuss some of the similarities at Smyrna Public Library in his presentation "History, Science and Fact: Writing Historical and Science Fiction Stories. " The event is Tuesday, July 9, at 10:30 a.m.

Grooms will speak at Smyrna Public Library in cooperation with the Library's "Groundbreaking Reads" summer reading program for adults. Recently, I had the opportunity to find out some of the ways reading impacts Grooms' life and career.

MOORE:  Growing up, were you always interested in reading and writing? Do you remember the spark that generated your interest in creative writing?

GROOMS:  I was thinking about it just the other day.  I tried to write my first novel at age 14.  I think I got to page 14.  Reading, of course, was the stimulus. I read the typical children's books and for a while was hooked on science fiction books like John Christopher's "Tripod" series.  Later, Orwell and Huxley.  Poetry reading was also important. I remember being blown away by Sandburg's "Chicago" at about age 12.

MOORE:  What do you enjoy most about working with students of creative writing?

GROOMS:  Generally, I enjoy engaging with people about ideas.  I enjoy seeing students form an aesthetic and discover a purpose for their stories. It's very rewarding when students go on to publish books or become teachers of writing themselves.

MOORE:  What is the best advice you ever read or received about creative writing?

GROOMS:  My mentor, Richard Bausch [recipient of the PEN/Malamud Award] said if you want to be a good prose writer you must read poetry.  The advice is more profound than it seems, as it teaches the writer to distinguish between the narrative and the lyric impulses, as well as to think deeply about how language is used.  Bausch is a master writer and is full of such gems.

MOORE:  Is there a specific book in your life that made a big impact (your "groundbreaking read")?

GROOMS:  There is no specific book.  "Huckleberry Finn" comes to mind, but in truth, every story or poem I really like seems to break new ground in some way.  From Chekov's "The Cherry Orchard," to Mishima's "Patriotism" to Whitman's "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry," I continue to learn something from reading.  Though I tend to read from the established literary canon, I also like popular books, especially science fiction.

During his visit on the 9th, Grooms will talk about research techniques for historical novels that he proposes can also be used for science fiction writing. He will give examples of how to incorporate research into fiction writing.

The author of prize-winning works of fiction, Trouble No More: Stories and Bombingham: A Novel, Grooms teaches writing and literature at Kennesaw State University as a Professor of English and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Grooms' appearance is sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library. The event is free of charge, and refreshments will be served. Smyrna Public Library is located at 100 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, Georgia.

Copies of Bombingham will be available for purchase and signing.

(www.smyrna-library.com)