Author Andre Dubus Talks Writing in Marlborough

From a rough-and-tumble life to the author of a book that was turned into an award-nominated movie, Massachusetts Author Andre Dubus III talked Wednesday about his life and what it takes to write in the modern world.

"Writing saved me. Writing got me off the path," said Dubus to a group of 40 that came out to hear the author of the "House of Sand and Fog" speak at the Marlborough Public Library.

That path was one of a violent youth who had taken to fighting those who picked on others after a traumatic incident involving a younger brother. The memoir in which he captured this time in his life, titled "Townie," has turned into a book for a generation in his home town of Haverhill who grew up in similar circumstances, said Dubus.

He eventually moved on from that rough life, which is depicted in unabashed honesty in his memoir, and began writing. He has become known for his novels, but told the audience that it was not until after the commercial success of "House of Sand and Fog" that he found publishers became well receptive to his work.

Dubus' talk was part of the 30th Annual McConnell Author/Celebrity Series which has had over 130 authors or celebrities speak at the library. The next speaker will be Tiffanie Didanto, author of "Dwarf."

Dubus talk can be viewed in its entirity on Marlborough's local cable station WMCT-TV.