The Beacon welcomes the renowned Glenn Stout to discuss his 2009 book “Young Woman and the Sea.” We first get a sense of remarkable athlete Gertrude Ederle and what it took in 1926 to become the first woman to swim the English Channel.
We discuss what fame looked like in this era and how it battled with Trudy’s love of family and dedication to swimming. And finally, we talk converting the book to a screenplay through fellow writer Jeff Nathanson.
Glenn talks about finding the right resonance with performance and material choices in art - so that people can connect to the writing and take something meaningful from it.
He highlights the connections to the material he felt throughout the years long development of the book (in one form or another since 2001) and noted others making similar considerations and commitments to really doing the story justice in every aspect.
Jordan can’t help himself and pivots to Glenn’s time editing the Best American Sports Writing series which collected some of the most remarkable sports related writing published each year - starting in 1991.
Just a *FEW* highlights:
Barrage of Bullets Drowned Out Cries of Comrades by Steve Coll
Her Blue Haven by Bill Plaschke
G-L-O-R-Y! by Jeanne Marie Laskas
Kevin and Glenn discuss the role of long-time Hilliard educator Donnette Calhoon starting both on their different paths as writers with freedom and encouragement.
"Too often, looking at America through its sports, and vice versa, results in a distorted view of both of them. In Glenn Stout's account of Trudy Ederle and the English Channel, we have a clear and honest mirror. Young Woman and the Sea is a first-rate piece of social history, and a tale told, well, swimmingly." — Charles P. Pierce, author of Idiot America and Moving the Chains
Lastly, we shift to development discussion and Glenn talks the collaborative process he’s built over the years and how he applies that to his editorial and consulting work with fellow writers. Kevin shares his concerns regarding the state of reading and writing in today’s kids and schools and generally where those previously mentioned paths of encouragement lead today.
We had a great time talking to Glenn and thank him and Disney for the time and interview.
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