'Expressing the inexpressible'

 

“Our job as writers, as far as I can tell, is to attempt to express what seems inexpressible.” – Nick Flynn

 

Born in Scituate, Massachusetts on this date in 1960, Flynn is best known for a trilogy of memoirs about his relationships, especially with his parents, and for his 6 collections of poetry.   He also is the subject of a hit movie Being Flynn, based on his memoirs.

While living in New York City with his wife and daughter, Flynn also spends considerable time in Houston, TX, where he is in residence at the University of Houston each Spring teaching poetry and interdisciplinary/collaborative art workshops.   His poems, essays, and non-fiction have been featured in The New Yorker, Paris Review, on National Public Radio’s This American Life, and The New York Times Book Review and have been translated into 14 languages.  His most recent poetry collection is Low.

 

“Events in our life, they define who we are,” Flynn said.  “It's not a matter of getting over anything; we have to make the best of it.”