Dave Pidgeon has been an important part of HippoCamp behind the scenes the past two years. This year, he’ll be front and center, giving a breakout session about talking to the media about tough topics — or when things get rough — something we’d hope never happens, but, ultimately, should be prepared for.
We asked Dave a few questions about his upcoming participation with our conference for creative nonfiction writers.
HM: Tell us a little about your involvement in HippoCamp this year. What are you most excited to share during your panel?
DP: I’m hosting a breakout session about how authors can have confidence and poise when talking publicly about their book and controversial topics. Talking to the public or the media can be intimidating even on easy topics like weather. There’s just something about when a camera gets turned on or someone starts taking notes about what we’re saying that can be unnerving, but it doesn’t have to be. This session is designed to provide a Fortune 500-level perspective on how to manage brand and messaging, whether you’re speaking to the media about your story or at a book signing or to a conference room full of aspiring authors. And trains, there will be lots and lots of trains.
Why do you love true stories?
I’ve worked in nonfiction all my career (newspapers, magazines, television news), and I’m a nerd for research that solves a puzzle or answers a burning question. Context matters. Ever like a hit song, but when the artist reveals the true story behind that hit song, it’s like your heart goes: “Wow! Now I know what the lyrics are really about.” Imagine how a mechanic trainee feels the first time they pop the hood and understand the function of traction motors. That feeling. That’s why I love true stories.
What made you decide to participate in HippoCamp this year as a speaker?
I’ve worked the previous two HippoCamps as the conference photographer, but I’ve also learned so much about the attendees and listening to their stories. I have an expertise — media relations and crisis communication — in something that can be helpful. Many memoirs deal with controversial subjects, and in today’s world with social media groups/tribes, a media culture thirsting for provocative and antagonistic voices who may want to pontificate about your story, and online trolls ready to pounce on any one in the public realm who has a misstep, it’s important more than ever for even authors to know what they want to say to their readers, potential buyers of their books, and the media.
Share a fun fact with us—something attendees may be surprised to know:
When I joined Norfolk Southern as its spokesperson, I became the sixth consecutive generation of my family to work for railroads. It began in the 1880s with engineers and fireman on steam locomotives after they emigrated to the United States from Ireland. We’ve had conductors, brakemen, hostlers, track laborers and administration.
Aside from preparing for HippoCamp 2018 (of course!), what are you working on? Any recent or upcoming projects/publications you can share?
I’m putting together a writing and photo essay about “growing up Southern End.” Here in Lancaster County, the southern half of the county is a little bit Appalachia, a little bit idyllic, a little bit boring, a little bit epic, and the rest of the county has traditionally look down at the region as hicks. The article and photos are a tribute to a place where I grew up, which shaped my values and world view and how I parent my boys. That’s scheduled for Lancaster County Magazine this summer. I also write a monthly column about fatherhood for Susquehanna Style Magazine.
Since you’ll also be attending the conference, what are you most looking forward to learning or doing when you’re not wearing your “speaker hat?”
I always discover new books through HippoCamp. Two years ago it was Mot by Sarah Einstein, which I adored. Last year I finally read This Boy’s Life by Tobias Wolff. It’s two days of discovery. I’ll add too that what I love about this conference is how comfortable and respectful everyone is toward each other, specific to where we are on our writer journey. This goes for speakers as well as attendees. No one is born with a byline. Some have struggled for years to finish while others have books for sale on the tables in the hallway. Everyone, though, is treated like family, and I dig that very much.
We love introducing Lancaster to attendees. If you live here or have been here before, what would you recommend to other attendees?
Take a moment to stand on Penn Square during Friday or Saturday night. Take just a minute, and look around. Understand that 20 years ago, little of what you see — the convention center, the restaurants, the nightlife — didn’t exist. Lancaster is a tremendous example of sustainable small city revival, and we’re proud of it.
Thank you, Dave! We’re excited to welcome you back to HippoCamp, this time as a speaker.
Register to reserve your place today.
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