"SPOTLIGHT ON" WRITER/EDITOR/PRODUCER EDWARD McCANN

 

IMG_2806_2Who is Ed McCann?

 

I’m an Irish-American kid from Queens whose favorite childhood memories involve family camping trips to the Adirondacks.

 

The first thing I wanted to be when I grew up was a park ranger; I wanted the cabin, the Jeep, the dog, and the hat; I wanted to be that guy down front in the amphitheater with the clicker, narrating the night-time slide show about raccoons, with fireflies winking on and off in the tree line.Screen Shot 2014-06-08 at 3.14.46 PM

 

In a sense, moving to New York’s Hudson River Valley to finish college was a dream come true.  I fell in love with the place and chose to make my home in a semi-rural part of Ulster County; today I continue to enjoy all the pleasures of those childhood camping trips – relaxing by a fire beneath the stars, listening to the calls of owls and coyotes – and I don’t have to carry water and firewood or wear flip flops in the shower.

 

Screen Shot 2014-06-08 at 3.21.24 PMSix years post-college as a local television writer and producer afforded me extraordinary access to many of this region’s cultural and historical treasures, and turned me into a genuine Hudson Valley booster.  As a history nerd, it was thrilling to bring a video crew to a location like the FDR home in Hyde Park and have the curator remove those velvet ropes for us.  I left broadcasting for a year-long stint creating cooking videos at The Culinary Institute of America before my partner Richard Kollath and I struck out with our own business, Kollath-McCann Creative Services.  Richard and I have spent the last twenty years producing books, magazine features, television segments, and special events from our home office and studio outside New Paltz.

 

First and foremost, I’m a professional writer with features and essays published in national magazines and literary journals (American Baby, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Living, Gardener, Good Housekeeping, Ladies’ Home Journal, The Sun and more).  I’m a longtime contributing editor at Country Living, I’ve written the text for Richard Kollath’s design books; and my blog, My Rescue Mutt, chronicles my adventures with Willie, an eleven-pound canine from central Louisiana who looks like a Border Collie someone left in the dryer for too long.

 

Incidentally – as a long-time gardener and bird feeder I’m no longer so enamored of those raccoons.  Did you know they have opposable thumbs?

 


What are you working on at the moment?

 


My training as a producer – managing crews, locations, budgets, and deadlines – provided a valuable skill set that’s translated into several arenas.  Most recently, Richard and I have been heading interior design projects at various National Historic Sites – a few of which are located in Yosemite National Park in northern California.  It’s been a privilege to toggle back and forth these past several years between The Hudson Valley to The Yosemite Valley.

 

Screen Shot 2014-06-08 at 3.18.02 PMOn the writing side, I’ve recently completed a memoir and am at work on a second one that tracks my family from Ireland to Brooklyn and to the stages of Vaudeville.  I’m building a collection of observational essays that relate to the various critters that share the land surrounding our home, and I’ve been faithful with my twice-weekly blog posts at www.myrescuemutt.com
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Most recently, I’ve been focused on the launch of a new literary endeavor called Writers Read — a platform showcasing both established and emerging writers and a celebration of writers, writing, and the spoken word.  Our live, staged events planned throughout the year will be organized around a single, broad topic that invites a range of expression.  Individual readings will be professionally videotaped for web streaming, and audio recordings of the staged readings will be edited for broadcasts and podcasts.  Upcoming topics and deadlines are listed under the submissions tab of our website: Writers Read Online

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If you share our passion for good writing and original voices, visit our website to join our e-mailing list and help us spread the word.  To paraphrase humorist Dan Zevin, who joins us at our launch event on June 14, please also “Like” our Facebook page; you can still hate us in real life.

 

 

Do you have upcoming events you’d like people to attend?

  

The inaugural event for Writers Read is called Listen To Your Father.  Inspired by Listen to Your Mother , a national live reading program launched in 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin, it takes place this Saturday, June 14, at 2pm at The Cell Theater on West 23rd Street in New York City.  Featured writer Steven Lewis said it best in this email message he sent this week to his friends:

 

“Mark your calendars and take the old man—or if you’re the old man, take someone who loves you—to this fabulous celebration/remembrance of fatherhood.

 

I know that most of you are already shaking your heads no and possibly breaking out in hives, but I promise this will be the best of all possible literary events: Ten really FINE writers reading ten really SHORT pieces that are guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and remember that guy with enduring fondness (despite, you know …).  We’ll even get you outathere in less than two hours.  Plus, it’s the day before Father’s Day, so there’s no conflict with golf, grilling or going to the stadium (or, dare I mention it?— it might just get you off the hook and you can have Sunday to yourself).”

 

 

Who are the writers, past and present, you most admire?

 

I have loved reading ever since that remarkable moment when the letters on the page arranged themselves into recognizable words.  My first favorite writers were Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey who co-authored the Curious George series.  What a thrill to be issued my very own library card – a license to carry home stacks of those slim yellow hardbacks filled with George’s adventures (“he was a good little monkey, and always very curious…”)

 

The list of writers I admire today is very long; in non-fiction, my favorites include Dan Barry, Katherine Boo, Anthony Bourdain, Dominique Browning, Frank Bruni, Bill Bryson, Laura Shaine Cunningham, John Darnton, Edmund DeWaal, Joan Didion, Annie Dillard, Andre Dubus III, Barbara Ehrenreich, Bruce Feiler, M.F.K. Fisher, Nick Flynn, Linda Greenlaw, Gabrielle Hamilton, Laura Hillenbrand, Steven King, Barbara Kingsolver, Ann Lamott, Jennifer 8. Lee, Aldo Leopold, Rosemary Mahoney, Frank McCourt, Jessica Mitford, Elaine Pagels, Michael Perry, Michael Pollan, Peter Quinn, Ruth Reichl, Mary Roach, Richard Russo, Eric Schloser, Alice Sebold, David Sedaris, Rebecca Skloot, Helene Stapinski, Paul Theroux, Abigail Thomas, Calvin Trillin, Sarah Vowell, Jeannette Walls, and Bailey White.

 

For fiction, I have great respect for the craftsmanship of Caleb Carr, Willa Cather, Michael Chabon, Jeanine Cummins, Angela Davis-Gardner, Junot Diaz, Jennifer Egan, Louise Erdrich, Gail Godwin, Robert Heinlein, William Kennedy, Barbara Kingsolver, Harper Lee, Colum McCann, Cormac McCarthy, Carson McCullers, Alice McDermott, Flannery O’Connor, Joyce Carol Oats, Ann Patchett, Peggy Payne, E. Annie Proulx, James Salter, Alice Sebold, Betty Smith, Wallace Stegner, John Steinbeck, Colm Toibin, Kurt Vonnegut, and Eudora Welty.

 

Whew.  And there’s a lot more on the shelves upstairs.

 

 

What are three of your favorite literary works?

 

That’s a fluid list that’s always changing.  The first three things that leap to mind are Barabara Kingsolver’s novel, “The Poisonwood Bible,” Aldo Leopold’s “A Sand County Almanac,” and Joe Queenan’s memoir, “Closing Time.”  Wait!  I forgot to include Queenan on my favorites list!

 


Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

 

Creative inspiration sometimes comes from those who strived for something and failed, or who wished for something but didn’t actually to the work to achieve it.  It’s the motivation of the negative example.

 

There are many memoirists and non-fiction writers who inspire me, but I’m really inspired by kindness and generosity as much as by someone’s talent; people who make the time — and the room — in their lives to help others and transmit knowledge without any personal gain.  These are people who make you want to pay it forward, and on that scale – and within my personal sphere — my partner, Richard Kollath, rates near the top.

 

Screen Shot 2014-06-08 at 3.52.51 PMWithin the AWoW membership, Charles R. Hale, Peter Quinn and Honor Molloy also leap to mind.   I’ll cast a broad net to include a few more friends: Julia F. Parker a native American ranger in Yosemite National Park; Mike Barton of the Ulster County Beekeepers AssociationSusan Arthur, San Francisco yogi, doula, and educator; Steven Lewis, writer and mentor to the multitudes, Peggy Herzig, gardener and friend to all animals, Nancy Olson, North Carolina book lover, bookseller, and champion of good writing; and Kathy Yanas, friend, model, mother, and advocate of open adoption.  I am incredibly fortunate to have such good and inspiring people in my life.

 

 

Name five things you’d like to do or accomplish in the next five years.

 

I’d like to publish my book, I’d like to start a foundation to support writers and writing, and I’d like to spend a lot more time on my bike and in my kayak.

 

If you could dream of trying something in the arts you haven’t tried, but would like to, what would that be?

 

I’m doing it right now, in real time, and just launched Writers Read Online The site will become a resource and a repository for both writers and readers, and the live events I’m designing are the type of events I’d really want to attend myself (I once brought binoculars to a Sarah Vowell reading in Troy, NY.  And I was in the third row).

 

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

 

Reading and writing.  Time with friends and family is also really important to me – and it’s even better if that time involves bikes or kayaks.

 

 

 

27 Replies to “"SPOTLIGHT ON" WRITER/EDITOR/PRODUCER EDWARD McCANN”

  1. Helise Winters says:

    Great interview. What an great plan – writing about what you know and love, and having others around you who may have different likes and dreams, but, nonetheless, crazy about writing.

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Hi, Helise: Thanks for the kind words; can you join us in NYC on Saturday?

  2. Ron Gaunt says:

    Good article Ed…sorry I missed you on your last visit…be well!

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Hello, Ron: I hope we have an opportunity to see you when we return to the Yosemite Valley in August. I’ll give you more warning next time.

  3. Wonderful interview! Your enthusiasm, generosity, and clear, graceful writing are inspiring. I’m looking forward to Writers Read.

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Thank you, Angela. We want to bring Writers Read to Raleigh. Do you know any writers down there??

      1. I know tons of writers here. We brag that this state has more writers per square foot anywhere except New
        York. I’d love for you to bring Writers Read down south!

        1. Edward McCann says:

          You can count on it, Angela. Now let’s come up with at theme. Is it simply “North Carolina”?

  4. Mighty mail Ed. great article we are all well here in dear old Ireland Give mam and Richard our regards Pat & Ann

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Hello, Pat, and thanks for the kind words from the Emerald Isle. I know you and Ann would enjoy Saturday’s “Writers Read” event, and I’d love to be able to introduce you to Malachy and the rest. Richard and I send out best right back to you (we’re overdue for a SKYPE or FACETIME)… Xx Ed

  5. Annette Catamec says:

    Nice work all around. Great interview and great ideas. Best to you and Richard.

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Hello, Annette and thank you; I hope we can arrange to see you when we’re out west in August.

  6. Edward McCann says:

    Hello, Pat and thanks for the note from the Emerald Isle. You and Ann would enjoy our Writers Read event — and I’d love for you to meet Malachy McCourt. That would be an interesting thing for me to just stand back and watch!

  7. Timothy Brennan says:

    Good interview, Ed. I’m looking forward to reading more on Writers Read.
    Best wishes for the reading next weekend and congratulations on the launch.

    Tim

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Thanks, Tim. Please check the SUBMISSIONS page for upcoming topics – I’d love to have you join us for a future event.

  8. I consider myself one of the lucky ones as I have the opportunity to work with Ed in our writing group and sit around Table Eleven two times each month to talk shop. Not only is he a talented writer and one of the wittiest people I know he is also as kind as they come. A good friend, a good man.
    Nice interview, Ed, and best wishes with Writers Read!
    -Kathy

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Thank you, Kathy, but I think I’m the lucky one to be able to share some of your time and space — and words. I’ll see you soon. x Ed

  9. Don Wildy says:

    THAT’S the project you and Richard meant the night we accidentally met at Pasqualle’s Pizza parlor and talked until my take-out pie got cold. Go for it. Sounds great.

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Hi, Don – yes, that’s the one. The idea has been percolating for some time and we’re finally launching this coming weekend. Maybe next time we can DELIBERATELY meet at Pasquale’s and do some more catching up. Oh – and by the way — happy Father’s Day.

  10. Steve Houk says:

    So great to see so much happiness on a personal and professional level from such a great guy as Ed. I had the opportunity to work closely with Ed at WTZA in the mid 80’s and always knew Ed was destined for success. All the best, Ed. –Steve

  11. Edward McCann says:

    Holy deal, Mr. Houk!

    Thanks for the kind words; you make me blush. I wish you could attend Saturday’s event (or be in the remote truck, calling shots). I hope you’re well, and I send you all my best in return. Ed

  12. Beth Eisenstein says:

    Hello Ed, Greetings from your friends in Boston! What a perfect venture and adventure for you. You’re an inspiration. Keep doing what you love!

    Thank you for sharing this with us.

    Jimmy and I send our very best to you and Richard!

    xo Beth

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Hi, Beth – how nice to hear from you. Richard and I think of you often and appreciate seeing your beautiful (grown-up!) kids on your holiday cards. We hope you’re all well, and send our very best back to you. X Ed

  13. jamie adam midgley says:

    Ed, Wishing you every success on June 14th – it’s a natural, not unlike yourself. love to Richard.
    Jamie

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Thanks Jamie – I appreciate the shout out (long time no see!). I hope you’re well and hope you’re enjoying your summer.

  14. What a great interview Ed! I’m looking forward to following Writers Read. You are an inspiration to us all-and I’m glad to see Peggy on your list, I love her too!

    1. Edward McCann says:

      Hi there, Susie, and thanks for the kind words; I wish you could join us on Saturday in NYC… Stay tuned for more WRITERS READ – and soon.

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