John Shors

Traveler's Story

Posted on November 9, 2011 - Permalink
Audiences: Alumni Current Students Faculty and Staff HomePage Parents and Visitors Prospective Students Research Trustees

The trials and triumphs of the working novelist was the focus of a talk given by John Shors, author of five works of fiction, including Dragon House, this year's One Book One Community selection.

Speaking to an audience inside the Horace Mann Auditorium, Mr. Shors recounted a life spent teaching English in Japan, backpacking around Asia, and working as a reporter before turning to fiction.

Casting about for a subject for his first novel he traveled to India. Taken by the splendor of the Taj Mahal and realizing that no westerner had ever told the story of its construction led him to create his fictionalized account of its creation. Beneath a Marble Sky became a commercial and critical hit. It also set the pattern for the books that would follow.

"I found my m.o., I travel to exotic places and bring them to life," Mr. Shors said.

He added that he's built a solid audience of fans by committing to visiting or conference calling with book clubs that adopt one of his novels. After the media picked up on this practice, his calendar quickly filled up. Over the years, he's spoken to more than 3,000 groups.

Additionally, a portion of his sales are donated to charity (more details are at johnshores.com).

Earlier in the day, Mr. Shors spent time with students at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School and on campus with a contingent of Bridgewater's international students.

The One Book One Community Project began in 2005. It is a partnership among Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater-Raynham Regional Schools, Bridgewater Public Library and the Bridgewater Senior Center. Dragon House is the ninth book to be featured. There have also been four children's books included in the program. (Story and photo by John Winters, G '11, Office of University Advancement)