Why Write? - The 92nd Street Y, New York

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Why Write?

Feb 25, 1996


Journalist and essayist Roger Rosenblatt gives a talk about why he continues to write, even in the face of tragedy and conflict. Rosenblatt discusses the ways in which he was faced with human loss, destruction, and internal conflict throughout the course of his writing career and on assignment around the globe. While acknowledging these events, he believes that rather than remaining silent, it is inherently part of human nature to want to share stories. Rosenblatt says that writing offers a way “to create an adventure from the past into the future,” and that it provides an outlet for language, enables self-discovery (on the part of the writer), and offers an escape from reality. Further, Rosenblatt shares that his personal reason for writing is that he enjoys the process, and that growing up in New York City positively impacted his desire to write as it was a “good neighborhood for stories.” The talk concludes with audience questions.

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