Ellroy teaches, amuses students

While many people have read his books - including "LA Confidential," "Black Dahlia" and "American Tabloid" - about 40 University students on Friday were able to meet the mastermind behind the novels, James Ellroy.

During a two-hour question and answer session, which took place in Angell Hall, Ellroy spoke with students, giving them an opportunity to meet the man who has created many novels based on the corruption of American society.

Organized by Rackham student Paul Roberts, the classroom was full of many film and video studies students and English students, as well as many other University students and faculty, waiting for the arrival of Ellroy.

Roberts said he set up two opportunities for students and faculty to meet Ellroy.

"I've set up a large format where Mr. Ellroy will read some of his work and sign his novels for those who wish to purchase them. Also, I've set up this smaller format where Mr. Ellroy will answer questions about his novels," Roberts said.

SARA SCHENCK/Daily Celebrated writer James Ellroy, author of "LA Confidential," speaks at Angell Hall on Friday to a crowd of 40 students.

After a quick introduction, Ellroy took a seat at the front of the classroom and began talking with students about his novels. His relaxed attitude and willingness to talk honestly with the students made the conversation very lively.

Ellroy joked around with students and told them that he loves wolverines - the actual animal. He also said that he would pay a high price to anyone who could get him a stuffed wolverine.

"Anyone who can supply me with a dead stuffed wolverine will receive $2000 and all of my novels, signed," Ellroy said.

When asked to describe himself Ellroy said that his personality is much different than his books. "I am a very moral person," Ellroy said.

Ellroy also added that he works off of an "internal dynamic of his dark side," in order to make his books as "rich, dark, and deep" as he possibly can.

Although Ellroy said he does some research, he confessed that a lot of the ideas in his stories are formulated in his own imagination.

When it comes to writing, Ellroy said he "knows where he wants to go." He doesn't simply start writing, he plans out each novel in a very detailed outline - some of which contain more than 150 pages.

Many of the students wanted to know what aspect of writing a novel Ellroy thought was the toughest.

"Getting an idea for a book isn't tough, I want to write about all the gory stuff of the past. Putting all of my ideas together in a cohesive fashion is first hard and then executing it is second hard," Ellroy said.

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