Leslie Marmon Silko, a female Native American author came to Fairfield for a lecture and book signing last night in the Oak Room. Her novels include “Storyteller,” “Gardens in the Dunes,” “Almanac of the Dead” as well as her most famous novel, “Ceremony,” which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year.

Professor Nicholas Ronaldi welcomed the audience and said how special the event was for him because his curriculum has featured her writing for many years and he was very excited finally to hear her speak.

Silko’s speech followed a question and answer format.

The first question raised by an audience member inquired about her writing process. Silko said she begins with a scrap and goes from there, although she often begins with outlines she rarely follows them because she feels that even though it can be scary to not use one, it seems boring to know where you’re going. Her characters are created first, then she follows them through the plot.

“I don’t like to think of rules and genre. Writing can be the one thing that is completely yours because it is the one area where you can be free,” she said.

Silko believes in writing for pleasure and that pleasing yourself should come before pleasing the audience. She also talked about how she doesn’t let labels limit her writing.

“You have to have truth, if there is no truth you have no basis to ever change,” said Silko who said you can never give up and you can never stop wanting.

“The importance of reading, studying literature along with all of the arts is the only way for human beings to transcend problems. Not war, not politics, but art,” said Silko. “People must never lose hope and learn to always see the good in life.”

One student, Gabrielle Giuliano ’10, was especially inspired by Silko’s message regarding reading, writing and human life.

“Her use of nature to explain human life was captivating,” she said.

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