Ed Burns Takes Readers on a Journey with His New Novel in Kansas City
Kansas City is about to get a taste of something special as renowned filmmaker and actor Ed Burns makes his way to town for a reading of his debut novel, A Kid from Marlboro Road, on October 3. The event promises to be a delightful gathering of storytelling and conversation, and we recently had a chance to catch up with Burns over Zoom, where he shared insights about his latest venture.
A Glimpse into Ed Burns’ Life
For those who may not be familiar, Ed Burns has had quite a remarkable career in the film industry. Born in Queens and raised on Long Island, he is a multifaceted talent who has dabbled as a writer, director, actor, and producer. His career took off with the low-budget indie film, The Brothers McMullen, which snagged the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 1995. Following that, he landed a role in the iconic Saving Private Ryan and has appeared in numerous TV shows, including a memorable stint on Will & Grace.
The Leap to Novelist
Fast forward to August of this year, and Burns surprised many by releasing his first novel, A Kid from Marlboro Road. This book draws inspiration from his own childhood experiences growing up in a lively, Irish-Catholic community during the 1970s. During our conversation, Burns explained that the book is a reflection of the moment in a child’s life when innocence fades and the journey toward adolescence begins. “It’s a look at that moment in a kid’s life where innocence ends,” he said, hinting at the profound themes woven into the narrative.
A Semi-Autobiographical Tale
It’s interesting to note that while the novel is semi-autobiographical, Burns elaborated on what that truly means. “I drew from the world that I come from, and a lot of the characters – the bigger things that happened to them—are pulled from my family,” he shared. He vividly described the opening scene, which centers around a wake where a young boy, pressured by his father, has to give a speech about his grandfather’s fascinating life. The grandfather, a sandhog, immigrated from Ireland in the 1930s and had a life filled with heartache and achievements, including helping build the Lincoln Tunnel.
Fiction vs. Memoir
When asked why he chose to write a novel instead of a memoir, Burns expressed candidly, “It’s because I made up most of it, quite honestly. All of my favorite parts of the book are pure fiction.” His ability to blend truth with creativity instills a sense of warmth and nostalgia that resonates with readers. And as he transitioned from writing screenplays to crafting a full-length novel, he found it to be an incredibly liberating process. “Once those handcuffs were gone,” he joked, “I was off to the races.”
Anticipation for the Reading
As the clock ticks down to his arrival in Kansas City, expectations are high. Attendees can look forward to not just a reading, but a chance to engage with Burns about his journey and the creative processes behind his characters. He aims to highlight the beauty and struggles of coming-of-age in the vibrant backdrop of a tight-knit community.
What Awaits Readers
With a narrative driven by rich experiences and a deep understanding of human emotion, A Kid from Marlboro Road promises to be more than just a story; it’s a heartfelt exploration of family, loss, and the quirky nature of growing up. Ed Burns’ journey from filmmaker to novelist showcases the power of storytelling, whether it’s on the big screen or in the pages of a book.
So, if you’re in Kansas City this October, make sure to mark your calendar for this literary event that bridges the world of film and fiction. It’s bound to be an unforgettable night!
