Q&A with Local Author Paul Brogan

Concord resident Paul Brogan, author of “Was That a Name I Dropped?,” will be signing books and talking about his new memoir at Gibson’s Bookstore at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 30.

“Was That a Name I Dropped?” tells of Brogan’s life in Concord, Hollywood, Calif., and back to Concord again, sharing moving stories about his life, meeting movie stars and celebrities, as well as battling depression.

We asked Brogan some questions about his life, what role both Concord and Hollywood played, and writing.

Q: What was the most difficult thing about writing your memoir compared to writing plays, screenplays, or helping other authors?

A: The most difficult part of writing about yourself is the necessity of stepping back and writing in as non-emotional a way as possible. It's too easy to try to get your reader to feel sorry for you or to become a cheerleader for your life and that does a disservice to the potential reader. You need to tell your story with a minimum of "drama," allowing the story to unfold in a natural way and to let your life speak for itself.

Q: Two-part question: What was the most amazing thing and what was the more ridiculous thing about being in Hollywood?

A: The most amazing thing about being in Hollywood was how easily I was welcomed and made to feel a part of the town. I never felt like an outsider and found very few of the pompous egos I'd been led to believe populated the business. The most ridiculous thing would have to be the astounding sense of denial in much of the gay community about the AIDS epidemic. For many people it was "business as usual" and an attitude that "it's not going to happen to me because I'm well off and successful in the business."

Q: What role does your life in Concord play in the book?

A: I would not be alive today had I not been raised in Concord. The roots of this city can, if you allow it, provide you with an inner strength, stamina and will to survive. Thomas Wolfe said that you can't go home again, but as far as Concord is concerned, you can and you're welcomed back no matter how many times you roam.

Q: What three things helped you persevere and get through the tough times?

A: 1) My Catholic faith which, while I don't practice it on a regular basis, continues to play a role in my belief system, just as it has for more than 50 years. 2) The people in Concord who influenced my life and never lost faith in me despite some outrageous things that I found myself caught up in. 3) My family – My parents and extended family and my partner who, for reasons completely unknown to me, finds me hilariously funny and very sexy.

Q: What advice would you give any inspiring writers who want to tell their life story?

A: Everyone has a story to tell and even if it's never published, sit down and write it. You'll learn more about yourself than years of psychotherapy could provide and as you tell your story, you'll be able to forgive yourself for any failings or shortcomings. The greatest catharsis.