I’m Booked: Ben Shattuck

Written by Ally Abruscato, Graphic by Anna Porter

Longtime lovers of “I’m Booked” might remember my review of “Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau.”I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the author, Ben Shattuck, about this book, his recent release and all things writing. 

While “Six Walks” was a self-reflective piece of non-fiction, Shattuck’s new book, “The History of Sound,” is a set of historical fiction short stories. To Shattuck, “They are two completely different books, on many different levels.” “The History of Sound” is a more complicated system because it involves a myriad of characters with dozens of relationships. Shattuck found that there were fewer ingredients in the meal that was “Six Walks.” Although it was easier in theory, he still had to focus on how to make those ingredients impactful. Meanwhile, he found more space in writing fiction because there are many ways to change a story. 

Besides fiction and non-fiction writing, Shattuck has recently taken on a screenwriting project. Directed by Oliver Hermanus, “The History of Sound” short story is currently being made into a movie starring Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor and Molly Price. Shattuck found screenwriting a lot easier because all he had to focus on was dialogue and setting. Still, screenwriting is not forgiving because too many details can get in the way of the director’s vision. Instead of cooking the meal, screenwriting is more like making a recipe for others to follow. Shattuck believes screenwriting is curating, whilenon-fiction is writing of the mind, and fiction is a more immersive and hallucinatory experience. 

Even though Shattuck had a very clear image in his head for certain scenes in “The History of Sound” movie, there was only so much he could describe. At a certain point, his work as a writer was done, and he had to take a backseat while the director took the wheel. The collaborative experience of filmmaking is why it is so important to work with people you trust from the beginning. The original creation vision was Shattuck’s, but as the first day of filming rolled along, he passed the baton to Hermanus, who was a great sounding board during the writing process. When Shattuck showed up on set, it was “like walking into my own dream.” It was surreal for everything he had thought of in his mind to become alive and material. 

For all the SCAD writing and screenwriting majors who are eager to be in Shattuck’s position, he advises to “stop worrying about publishing.” Although the pressure might seem high to do so, one’s writing gets better and better as people age. Even though young authors have the technical skills, writing a beautiful sentence does not make a book; instead, “life experiences make books.” After understanding oneself and having been through some hardships, an author can then put their characters through those things. Shattuck also thinks it is important to “try to build a writing routine.” He only writes in the mornings and has found it comforting to start his day feeling accomplished. A routine can be different for everyone, but no matter what, one should “build a healthy, fun relationship with writing.” At the end of the day, writing cannot be the be-all and end-all because “what is writing except organized thought that has the alphabet applied to it?” To Shattuck, people’s 20s should be spent building and fostering relationships. For those who are patient, these connections will pay off as friends continue to grow in their careers and eventually open unexpected doors. 

I had an amazing time speaking to Shattuck and even got the opportunity to attend his book tour while I was visiting Rhode Island. At the event, Shattuck shared an excerpt from the book and spoke in conversation with his wife, the amazingly talented actress, writer and comedian Jenny Slate. The two were incredibly kind and hilarious in their discussion and the proceeding book signing. I now have my very own copy of “The History of Sound” and cannot wait to get started! I suggest everyone pick it up in preparation for the movie release sometime next year.

I’ll be back soon with another book review, but until then, I’m Booked.