Literary journalist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Gerorge Getschow brought his forty years of writing experience to his LitFest workshop, “Telling Your Story: How to Craft Distinctive Personal Essays for College Applications and Beyond” in which Getschow detailed the different rhetorical and writing strategies that can assist in crafting a unique essay.
Getschow started the presentation by discussing his most recent book, “Pastures of the Empty Page,” a collection of essays from different authors across Texas about the renowned novelist Larry McMurtry, who passed away in 2021. He addresses McMurtry’s significant impact on not only Getschow’s own writing but also his effect on other authors across a variety of genres and landscapes.
He describes the over two hundred thousand books McMurtry accumulated over his life, which now reside in his bookshop nestled in the small town of Archer City Texas. Following McMurtury’s death Getschow purchased the bookshop with the intent to preserve the literary legacy he left behind. The library is now open to the public in McMurtury’s honor, and Getschow urges anyone to come and immerse themselves in the world of literature.
Furthermore, Getschow asked students to reference a packet handed out before the workshop, in which he compiled a variety of personal essays, including one from a student who won the LitFest writing contest last year. He asked students from the audience to read aloud, while simultaneously pointing out specific rhetorical devices that make for a vibrant and stimulating essay, emphasizing the intention behind each word.
Getschow encourages people to write no matter what the story is, referencing writer Michael Montag who said, “Every man has within himself or herself the entire human condition.” He uses this quote to emphasize the many interpretations that writing can have and the unique conclusions humans draw from it based on personal context.
Getschow concluded the presentation by highlighting the importance of incorporating humor into one’s writing style to overcome the pious or pompous side of one’s personality as it captures the reader’s attention and alleviates any awkwardness.
Overall Getschow delivered a captivating and detailed presentation that is evermore important as students begin crafting common apps and college applications which have the power to alter the trajectory of one’s life.
