Jim Lynch at NPL

Lynch reads from his The Highest Tide.

Last night (11/13), NPL hosted author Jim Lynch as part of the annual Everybody Reads program.  A small crowd listened as Jim talked about how he became a writer and related key experiences in his childhood and early adult life.  He read the beginning paragraphs of his first published novel, The Highest Tide, to illustrate the discussion.

(click on any photo to enlarge.)

Jim speaks to a crowd of about 25.

Lynch then talked about the Everybody Reads selection, Border Songs.  He described how the main character Brandon, a "6-foot-8, highly dyslexic border patrol agent," grew out of his research riding along with Border Patrol Agents on the U.S./Canadian border.  Other research for this book included a week spent at a small family dairy (a profession that contains, according to Lynch, much more drama than he anticipated) and time spent with Whatcom County's record holder for most bird species seen in a 24-hour period.  Research is a vital part of his writing, as Lynch described all of his books as "tall tales packed with so much realism you believe them."  Research for an upcoming (not-yet-named) novel focuses on the water again, as this next work centers around a family obsessed with sailing.

Lynch also discussed how Temple Grandin's writing style, and her writing about autism, informed his writing about Brandon, who thinks so differently from Lynch. (He did not at this time answer what had been a question for me-- whether Brandon in fact has autism-- although he later in the evening used the phrase "autistic-leaning" to describe the character.)

TV rights have been sold for Border Songs and a pilot episode has been filmed.  If it ever becomes a series, Lynch said it would be something of a mix between Northern Exposure and a police procedural.  Book It Repertory Theatre in Seattle has done a stage adaptation of both Border Songs and The Highest Tide and is working on an adaptation of Lynch's most recent book, Truth Like the Sun.  (Truth Like the Sun will be available in paperback in January.)

Following Lynch's talk was a Question and Answer period.  Asked the question, as all visiting writers are, "what are you reading right now?" Lynch's answer was Kingdom of Men by another local author, Kim Barnes of Moscow.  He has just recently finished Julie Otsuka's Buddha in the Attic. 

For the question of what makes a good writer, his response included curiosity and empathy, and patience: you don't get good in a hurry.  Also, don't edit when in a bad mood.

The night wrapped up with a light reception and book signing.  Many people bought copies of Lynch's books as holiday gifts for family members. 

If you are interested in hearing this author, he is still in the area for a few days for Everybody Reads events, both tonight and tomorrow, and he will have some Western Washington area appearances later in the year.

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