Author Bret Lott once held five majors in college; but he quit halfway through and learned the discipline of writing by pounding pavement as an RC Cola salesman. It is, perhaps, this salt of the earth quality that makes his writing so captivating and inspires others to the craft as well.

This week on The Slow Work, host Sandra McCracken talks with Lott about the way you become a writer -- from the ethic required for the daily grind to the value of being around people and paying attention. Lott shares the hardest thing about being a creative and the role of memory and detail in creating a compelling narrative. If you’ve dreamed of becoming a writer or simply want to see behind the curtain of a creative life, you’ll find inspiration and practical wisdom in this episode.

Special Guest:

Bret Lott is the bestselling author of twelve books, including the novels Ancient Highway, The Hunt Club, A Song I Knew by Heart, and Jewel (an Oprah’s Book Club selection). Formerly editor of The Southern Review, Lott was appointed to the National Council on the Arts in 2006. He lives with his wife, Melanie, in Hanahan, South Carolina, and teaches at the College of Charleston.

Resources Referenced:

Jewel

The Hunt Club

A Song I Knew By Heart

Burning Down the House: Essays on Fiction

Meet Me at the Lighthouse: Poems

The Slow Work is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producer: Mike Cosper

Host: Sandra McCracken

Producer: Azurae Phelps

Editor and Mix Engineer: Dan Phelps

Music: Tyler Chester

Graphic Design: Chris Bennett

Social Media: Kate Lucky

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices