Returning speaker Margaret Montent will give a flash session called The Art of Organizing Reality: The Role of the Commonplace Book in Writing Creative Nonfiction. We love this unique topic idea, and can’t wait to learn more! In the meantime, we asked Margaret a few questions.
HM: Tell us a little about your involvement in HippoCamp this year. What are you most excited to share during this flash session?
MM: I’m excited to share this unique idea that has evolved over the years to help me organize research, interviews, biographical information, quotes, and other bits and pieces I use in my researched nonfiction. The Commonplace Book is a technique used by many thinkers including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and even Sherlock Holmes! Each writer will adapt this technique to his or her own projects and style of writing, but I’ll supply the basics in my quick talk. I road-tested this idea in the classroom, and my students each employed the idea creatively in their own way.
Why do you love true stories?
True stories inspire me to think and come up with my own ideas for creative nonfiction. When reading, I may be awash in bewilderment, crippled by fear and dread, or charmed by the magic of a story. It doesn’t matter. If it’s true, I’m more likely to remember it, tell other people about it, or pursue more information. True stories tantalize me.
What made you decide to submit a proposal to speak at HippoCamp again this year?
I enjoy this conference immensely and I enjoy being an active participant. My experience last year as a breakout session speaker stimulated my desire to share a new idea this year, one I’ve refined in the classroom.
Attendees can learn more about you on our speaker’s page, of course, but there’s more to you than that bio! Share a fun fact with us, something we may be surprised to know.
I’m a classically-trained clarinettist and just love writing about music topics. People ask me about music all the time, and these questions often find their way into essays and blog posts.
Aside from preparing for HippoCamp (of course!), what are you working on?
I’m still enjoying the freedom that comes after completing the MFA: this means writing on varied topics, composing pieces of different lengths, and pitching my travel essay collection manuscript all over the place! I have an essay (“Form 1040A”) coming out in Flying South 2018, but I don’t know when that will be. I’m reading the work of essayists throughout history for my next big project.
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’m looking forward to hearing the keynote speakers (Abigail Thomas is a favorite) as well as the breakout session presenters. All ideas and inspirations are welcome. This tends to be a “hip” conference, so I’m also looking forward to getting ideas on that front. I’m a big fan of the mashed potato sundaes.
We love introducing Lancaster to attendees. What are you looking forward to about your visit or, since you’ve been here before, what would you recommend?
I live a couple hours away, and visit Lancaster County often. As a quilter, I like to gather supplies and ideas there. I enjoy the train museums (life-size and model), the Strasburg Railroad, and the Red Caboose Hotel, where I stayed while putting together a travel article focusing on the railroad sites for an in-flight magazine. Recently, I’ve discovered the marvelous National Watch and Clock Museum. I’m still getting to know the city of Lancaster, and I look forward to visiting the Farmers’ Market again this year.
Where is your favorite place to write?
The best ideas come to me when I am relaxed at my family’s house at the New Jersey Shore. The porch with its billowing curtains, comfy couch, and quiet fans inspire me to dive deep into my stories on even the hottest days. I often write about the beach itself, and its magical natural surroundings.
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Margaret, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. We LOVE the suggestions you have for exploring our area!
And, reader, register to reserve your place today.
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