Writing words that 'fit' for all

 

“I don't want my books to exclude anyone, but if they haveto, then I would rather they excluded the people who feel they are too smartfor them!” – Nick Hornby
Hornby, born in England on this date in 1957, writes about ordinary people in ways that translate into best-sellers, like Fever Pitch, About a Boy and High Fidelity.    FeverPitch, while written about a fan’sobsession (based on his own) with English soccer, was made into an even bigger hit as an American movieadaptation focusing on Jimmy Fallon’s character’s obsession with theBoston Red Sox. 
Music also plays a big role in Hornby's writing, again based on his ownexperiences.  Hornby has had long and fruitful collaborations with therock band Marah and even toured in the United States and Europe with the band,joining them on stage to read from his essays.   And, he's had great collaborations with singer/songwriter Ben Folds, known to many aschief judge on the hit TV show “The Sing Off.”   Songwriters like using the universality of the words he writes.
Dedicated to helpingkids with special needs, Hornby has donated all of his royalties from some ofhis 100-plus books to helping kids with autism.   He co-founded Ministryof Stories, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and young adultsdevelop their writing skills, and to support teachers who inspire students towrite, both literature and music lyrics.
 

“Sentimental music has this greatway of taking you back somewhere at the same time that it takes you forward,”Hornby commented about the songs he enjoys.  “You (can) feel nostagic andhopeful all at the same time.”

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