Writers, recreational readers and literary majors mobilized in impressive numbers in and around the writing center for the guest speaker Shawn Vestal, author of “Godforsaken Idaho.”
“Godforsaken Idaho” is a collection of short stories, most of which have a running theme of Mormonism and bad fathers–the two things Vestal didn’t want to write about.
“A writer writes about the traumas in his life,” Vestal said. “I didn’t like the idea that when you’re writing fiction, you’re dressing up your own life. I wanted to invent; but the way real stuff sneaks in, it’s fascinating.”
Shawn Vestal, an excommunicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, grew up in the Mormon faith. One of the stories found within “Godforsaken Idaho” recounts the story of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Faith, through the eyes of a narrator a little more skeptical of Smith’s intentions.
While Vestal no longer associates himself with the church, he was hesitant to write stories overtly offensive to the faith.
“I was reluctant to write stories that were Mormon-bashing stories,” Vestal explained. “Mormonism is one of those subjects that draws people in that direction.”
Quiet and soft-spoken, Vestal read a number of clips from his stories before opening the floor to questions. Most of the questions were pointed towards character inspiration and plot themes, with literary students asking the majority of the questions.
Ian Brookwell, a student of Jonathan Frey’s creative writing class, explained that stories from Vestal’s “Godforsaken Idaho” were part of the reading criteria for the course.
During his time spent on campus, Vestal visited Frey’s creative writing class, signing copies as well as answering any questions the students may have had regarding his written work or time spent in the Mormon faith.
When asked about the difficulties of getting his work published, Vestal told the aspiring writers about his struggles and the lessons learned.
“If there was a lesson,” Vestal told the students, “It would be to not give up. To never stop.”
Though the title wasn’t given, Shawn Vestal said his new novel will be released next spring.
