WRITING/PUBLISHING CAREER DINNER
By Renee D'Aoust, GS '01

On February 8, the Office of Alumni Affairs hosted a Writing/Publishing Career Dinner for students. Dean Peter J. Awn began the evening by emphasizing the “great tradition of writing at GS.” The event brought together two distinguished GS alumni, Deidre David, GS ’72, and John Rousmaniere, GS ’67, and approximately 25 GS students interested in careers in writing or publishing.

David and Rousmaniere offered candid insights into the field of publishing, particularly from the perspective of academic and non-fiction writing. Both were positive and supportive of prospective writers, yet at the same time stressed that it can be extremely difficult to make a living as a writer. Indeed, many questions throughout the evening revealed students’ pressing concerns about making a living at their craft.

Deidre David, Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature, Columbia ’78, is a Professor of English at Temple University where she is a past department chair. She was on sabbatical for the 2000-2001 academic year, and spent her time conducting research at Columbia’s Rare Book and Manuscript Library for a cultural biography on the actress Fanny Kemble. She has authored several books including Intellectual Women and Victorian Patriarchy and The Cambridge Companion to the Victorian Novel. John Rousmaniere, M.A. in History, Columbia ’68, has recently completed the text of the illustrated history of Columbia University for its 250th anniversary. He has written the histories of the Davis, Polk law firm, The Equitable Life Insurance Company, and the New York Yacht Club. Rousmaniere has also written several sailing textbooks.

Mr. Rousmaniere offered, with a smile, that both he and David are essentially “perpetual students,” and that finding a “form and a process” that fits that curiosity, as well as writing style, is essential to success as a writer. “Whatever [writing] you are interested in doing,” said Rousmaniere, “there is a communication system for you.” Finding work as a writer involves, according to Rousmaniere, “putting yourself in the way of opportunities.” Ms. David nodded, adding, “You have to put yourself out in the world.”

These are important points given the solitary act of writing. “You have to like the lonely part,” said David. As a writer, you must, said Rousmaniere, “articulate what you are trying to do.” He continued, “The blank page — the first draft — is the most wretched part of the process.” To build skills, Rousmaniere advised that students “keep reading good writing,” and find several books of any genre that are meaningful and inspiring. David added that writers need to “look for a voice.” She continued, “There is something that remains mysterious about every kind of writing. It is a process, completely organic.”