something I found amazing. He had an open invitation to aspiring writers to contact him with specific questions, and his email address was listed. I sent Falla an email, figuring I would never receive a reply. After all, this was Jack Falla, writer for Sports Illustrated, and author of two of my favorite books of all time, Home Ice, and Saved. He had interviewed Wayne Gretzky more times than I had picked up a hockey stick. Heck, he has been to Gretzky’s parent’s house. This was not a man I figured would have the time nor the inclination to answer my petty little questions about the world of writing. His answer came the next day, and while it was delineated nicely, he summed it up in two words, “Just write.” Simplicity at its best, if you want to write, write. He also said he doesn’t go by “Mr. Falla,” he goes by “Jack.” We exchanged several emails over the next few days, with me and my silly rookie questions, and him with his sage, wise responses. I then asked if he would be doing any book tours to support his books, and he replied that he was, but that none would bring him near the Twin Cities area. When I expressed my disappointment, he said he would keep my contact information close at hand, and if the situation changed, he would give me a call. Again, extending a hand he had no need to extend. Our conversation waned over the next few weeks, though he did contact me once, unexpectedly, to tell me he had given some of my writing to a contact he had. While he would not disclose the contact, he said that it would be good for my “career.” This was the final conversation we had, leaving me just those cryptic words, “It will be good for your career.” The fact that he called it a career, and not a pipe dream, made this writer feel as though that dream could be reality. While I was not a close, personal friend, I like to think that I can call Jack a friend. I certainly know I can call him a mentor. The author can be contact at bryan.reynolds@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.