As I continue to delve into this nonfiction journey of mine, I am continuously surpised (and very often emotional) when I find fellow nonfiction authors, especially biographers who “get it.” Those who understand the task of writing about real people, creating a story constrained by real events, and producing a work suitable for the masses in a form that they can hopefully appreciate. It is an  extraordinary undertaking. Not to mention how the experience changes all the players involved. The writer, the subjects,  and the friends and families of both.

Last night I reread an interview that Truman Capote gave for In Cold Blood.  Capote’s masterpiece introduced the nonfiction novel to the world.  A work of real events that reads in seemingly real time complete with plot, character dialogue, climax, and conclusion.  This was a tremendous feat.  Capote accompanied by Harper Lee author of To Kill a Mockingbird trekked out to Holcombe, Kansas.  Capote having looked for a true story he could experiment with, a story that  would be timeless, and a glance in a newspaper gave him that inspiration. Four murders in a small town. You can read more about his experience here .

When reading the article I noted who he mentioned as his inspirations, LIilian Ross and Joseph Mitchell being two of them.  Both writing in that same novel style that Capote admired.  Ross, a writer for the New Yorker was also the author of several biographies and the nonfiction book Picture where she observed the filming of John Huston’s film Red Bad of Courage.

Ross gave this wonderful quote in the introduction from her book Reporting. Simply a quote about the friendship that develops between the author and the subject(s).  I must admit when I read it, I cried.  It was so sweet.  You can read the full quote and her literary journeys with Ernest Hemingway here.

But it was Joseph Mitchell’s story that really stood out and quickly overshadowed all my readings last night.  Just a little blurb written in an article that you can find here regarding Louis Marino, owner of Sloppy Louie’s and his fear and dread of his elevator.  This elevator being part of an entire building where his restaurant resided and which Marino rented.  Marino, in the 22 years that he operated his restaurant had not been in that elevator but for some reason was willing to do it that day, and asked Mitchell to join him.  Now I ask you, would any nonfiction author worth his or her salt say no?  Yup, and neither does Mitchell.  Up they went.

I bawled at that story too.  Some great stuff there!

Yes, so my journey continues. I am so happy to have found all these treasures last night in my readings. Capote’s journey, Ross’s friendships, and sweet Louie’s elevator. These gems are what make nonfiction novels shine. This appreciation of real people and events.  Whether they be criminals,  curmudgeonly authors, or slightly phobic restaurant owners.

Here is a list of books that I have also enjoyed on this great writing adventure of mine.  They are all biographies/autobiographies.  Check them out!  🙂

1. Plain Speaking:  an Oral History of Harry S. Truman by Merle Miller
2. Tough Shit:  Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy, Slob Who Did Good by Kevin Smith
3. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
4. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcom X and Alex Haley
5. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson