Pop-culture writer to lend advice to UCA students

Students interested in popular culture and writing can satisfy their craving Nov. 18 or 19, when Chuck Klosterman plans to speak about his writing experience at the University of Central Arkansas.

Klosterman is a columnist for "Spin" and "Esquire" magazines, and recently published his first novel, "Downtown Owl: A Novel." His other books include two memoir-style works such as "Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto," and "Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story," in which he combines personal experiences with music, sports and other aspects of popular culture.

"Klosterman is only 36, which is young for someone so prolific and accomplished," said Robin Becker, the UCA writing instructor who sponsored Klosterman's appearance for the Department of Writing's Artists in Residence program. "He started his career as a journalist in Fargo, N.D. He was a small-town rural Midwesterner in love with rock and roll. And currently, he is one of America's most astute and hip cultural critics, tackling topics as diverse as Britney Spears, The Sims, Billy Joel, 'The Real World,' 'Saved by the Bell' and basketball."

Becker has followed Klosterman's writing since 2000, when his first book, "Fargo Rock City," was released. A writer herself, she said she got the idea to sponsor Klosterman after hearing feedback from some of her students.

"I had some students, without any prompting, mention him," she said.

The appearance is jointly sponsored with the Honors College. Donna Bowman, associate director of the Honors College, said she became involved after hearing of Becker's proposal. "Gayle Seymour, the associate dean (of the College of Fine Arts and Communication), knew that the Honors College had used his books and had involved some of his writing in our classes. She came to us to see if we wanted to be involved," she said.

Both Becker and Bowman believe the appearance will yield a healthy attendance from students, as Klosterman is young and covers topics of interest to the collegiate group.

"He's funny and kind of ironic, and smart about it. He makes jokes in his writing," Becker said.

Also, since Klosterman came from a rural area in South Dakota, his success proves that individuals don't have to be from a big city to accomplish their goals.

"Klosterman grew up on a farm in rural North Dakota and when his first book came up, he was living in Akron, Ohio," she said. "He worked his way up from small-town newspapers to 'Spin' and 'Esquire' magazines. In addition, he shows us that no topic is too trivial for serious inquiry. He doesn't just describe and review pop-culture icons; he finds deep meaning in them, reminding us that pop culture is our culture."

His Nov. 18 appearance will be at 7:30 p.m. in the McCastlain Hall ballroom, with a book signing to follow. It is free and open to the public.

Bowman said since she has involved Klosterman's work in several of her classes, that her students will be apt to attend one of his events on campus.

"I was really expecting there to be a built-in audience," she said. "I haven't been disappointed."

Becker agreed, saying she's already heard several students voice excitement about the writer.

"I started a Facebook group for publicity, and I've already received 100 replies. It's generating some buzz," she said.

He plans to remain on campus Wednesday, speaking to two master classes for both UCA writing and Honors College students, at 10 and 11 a.m., respectively. The writing lecture will take place in Thompson 331, with the Honors College lecture to follow in McAlister 301.

"He'll first discuss the process of writing and his story," Becker said. "There will be too many students, unfortunately, for him to read their work and talk about it."

Bowman believes hopes those wanting to explore a career in writing will learn there is more than one way to become published.

"It's very much informed from his own background from his experience," she said, "I think that whole kind of quasi-memoir way of writing about pop culture is really something students can get a handle on, get into this kind of writing without it being some sort of academic art criticism.".

However, she said anyone interested in pop culture should attend.

"Anyone interested in music, movies, comics, sports, all those things will find something really interesting about Klosterman," Bowman said.

(Staff writer Jerrica Ryan can be reached by e-mail at jerrica.ryan@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1266. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit.)