Event Coverage: Q&A with Ferdia Lennon

Above: A BOOK OF CONTRAST: (left to right): Media Specialists Naomi Craver, Angela Pendley, award-winning author Ferdia Lennon, iliad Business Manager Mattie Pittard, iliadWriting Director Margo McDaniel and iliad adviser David Ragsdale pose in the Clarke Central High School Media Center March 26 after a the moderated Q&A session with Lennon. Lennon discussed his recently published novel, “Glorious Exploits,” which explored the invasion of Sicily during the Peloponnesian War in 4120 BC. “I wanted to explore the idea of the cruelty that would allow a group of people to dehumanize another group to the point that they would leave them to die in a concentration camp, and yet the empathy that would make them fascinated by their theater and their drama,” Lennon said. Photo by Iliana Tejada

Award-winning author Ferdia Lennon spoke to CCHS students and staff in a Q&A the CCHS Media Center on March 26. 

Clarke Central High School’s Media Center and iliad Literary-Art Magazine, in partnership with the University of Georgia’s Willson Center for Humanities and Arts, hosted Ferdia Lennon, debut author of "Glorious Exploits," on March 26, for a moderated Q&A session about his experience as a storyteller. 

Fast facts about Lennon were presented on a large screen throughout the event, while iliad Literary-Art Magazine Writing Director Margo McDaniel and Business Manager Mattie Pittard moderated the session.

“Preparing for the event was a pretty extensive process. We went pretty deep into the history behind his book and the events that occur in his novel, ‘Glorious Exploits, Pittard said. “As we began writing questions, it came pretty naturally because we were genuinely interested in his process and creative decisions.”

Clarke Central High School juniors Margo McDaniel,  iliad Writing Director, and Mattie Pittard, Business Manager, introduce award-winning author Ferdia Lennon to nearly 100 attendees in the CCHS Media Center on March 26.  The event was the first time either student had facilitated a program on behalf of the iliad. “I challenged our current Leadership Team to provide opportunities for our younger team members to interface with our community,”  iliad Literary-Art Magazine adviser and English department co-chair David Ragsdale said. “Ms. Pittard and Ms. McDaniel did an excellent job in their debut.  They received great feedback from those in attendance.” Photo by Iliana Tejada

Lennon, who was a student of history, didn’t become a novelist overnight but was drawn to the craft over time.

“I love stories, but it didn't seem like something that I could do (and) I didn't know anyone who was a writer, but in the back of my mind, I was like, maybe I could try this,” Lennon said. “And slowly but surely, starting with short stories, and what began as a bit of fun became something that I felt compelled to do, that I love to do.”

For Christopher Tucker, a junior, the Q&A provided a new experience that heightened his interest in Lennon's work.

“I was kind of excited, because I haven't met many writers in person, and honestly, my overall reaction to the writer, himself, I feel like he was a great guy (and) he was a funny guy,” Tucker said. “I haven't read any of his books. I haven't read any of his media, so after this, I think I should check him out.”

After the Q&A, the event floor opened up for student questions, also facilitated by McDaniel and Pittard. Pricilla Davis, a sophomore, admired Lennon's genuine perspective on being a writer.

“I believe my favorite part about the event was hearing his process on writing and the fact that he's like, the longest and hardest part about (writing) is the waiting,” Davis said. “Because he's like, it drags on forever, which I feel is so very much a real thing, because waiting is so hard for anything.”

Above: NEW BOOK NEW READ: Clarke Central High School sophomore Priscilla Davis participates in the Ferdia Lennon moderated Q&A in the Media Center on March 26. Davis expressed her interest in Lennon's work and prepared for the event with some light reading of his latest release, “Glorious Exploits.” “I like it. It's got a nice air of readability to it,” Davis said.  “It's not too hard to read, but it's not too easy either. It feels on level,” Davis said. Photo by Iliana Tejada

Lennon’s novel, which deals with the Peloponnesian War, evolved as he wrote the work, shifting from one genre to a blend. The author explained various themes and elements illustrated throughout his book, deconstructing his influence of storytelling.

“So for me, rather than pure tragedy or pure facial comedy, tragic comedy, I felt was an authentic way to explore something, and also because of the darkness of the subject matter,” Lennon said. “Athenian prisoners of war (were) left to die in the aftermath of war. The comedic approach was unexpected, unexpected for me, and I think for readers.”

As the event came to a close, attendees, who included faculty and community members, were left with a plentiful amount of information about Lennon and his experience writing “Glorious Exploits.” McDaniel was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of hosting the event.

“I enjoyed getting to meet an author and hearing his insight and perspective, McDaniel said. “I loved how much audience participation there was and how the students got to engage with Lennon.”

The event was organized by iliad Literary-Art Magazine adviser and English department co-chair David Ragsdale with Media Specialists Angela Pendley and Naomi Craver in partnership with the University of Georgia’s Willson Center for Humanities and Arts.

“Nicholas Allen and his team at the Willson Center work with us year after year to provide engaging programming for the CCHS community,” Ragsdale said.  “I’m grateful we were once again able to share a space and time with an inspiring and creative artist.  Mr. Lennon was perfectly splendid and our team did a great job interviewing him.”

Above: A MESH OF HISTORY: Clarke Central High School students listen to the Q&A during the Ferdia Lennon Author Visit in the Media Center on March 26. Christopher Tucker, a sophomore, found Lennon’s examination of storytelling was compelling. “He incorporates his own history, like his upbringing, into history itself,” Tucker said. “(Incorporating himself) into themes (of) Mesopotamia and stuff like that. That's really what I thought was interesting about (the event).” Photo by Grady Dunston

Story by Olivia Hendershot

Olivia Hendershot is a senior at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief for the iliad literary-art magazine. Hendershot hopes to expand iliads outreach as well as make positive improvements to the program. In her free time, she likes listening to music, sketching/painting and hanging out with friends.