Today's Read Contributor On March 20, 2025, acclaimed author Bret Anthony Johnston delivered an engaging and insightful presentation at Lone Star College Montgomery, as part of the college’s esteemed Writers in Performance series. Known for his deeply introspective novels We Burn Daylight and Remember Me Like This, Johnston’s appearance attracted a diverse crowd of students, educators, and literary enthusiasts eager to gain insight into his craft.
A Renowned Voice in Contemporary Fiction
Johnston has earned a national reputation for his thoughtful storytelling and meticulous prose. His breakout novel Remember Me Like This, set in a Texas coastal town, drew widespread acclaim for its poignant portrayal of a family coping with trauma and reunion. His latest work, We Burn Daylight, further solidifies his place as a master of emotional realism, exploring human resilience and moral complexity through intimately drawn characters.
At the Lone Star event, Johnston shared reflections on his literary journey, describing how his Texas roots have profoundly influenced his voice and narrative perspective. He noted that while the settings of his stories are often geographically grounded, the emotional landscapes they explore are universally resonant.
Lessons in Craft and Authenticity
As the current Director of the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Johnston brings a wealth of experience to his public speaking. During his talk, he drew from both his administrative role and his previous academic tenure at Harvard University to offer practical advice for aspiring writers.
“Authenticity is not just a buzzword,” Johnston emphasized. “It’s the foundation of great storytelling. Readers know when you’re faking it. The best stories come from truth — not necessarily fact, but emotional truth.”
He encouraged young writers in the audience to mine their own experiences for narrative inspiration and to embrace vulnerability in their work. Johnston also highlighted the importance of revision, collaboration, and patience in the writing process, demystifying the often solitary and painstaking nature of producing literary fiction.
Engaging Dialogue With the Audience
The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, during which Johnston fielded questions on a wide array of topics. Students asked about his character development techniques, his views on the future of publishing, and the evolution of American fiction in the digital age.
One attendee asked how Johnston balances teaching and writing, to which he replied, “They fuel each other. Working with students who are passionate and brave with their words constantly reenergizes my own work. It’s a reciprocal relationship.”
The discussion also touched on broader industry trends, such as the rise of hybrid publishing models and the challenges authors face in maintaining creative control while engaging with increasingly commercialized markets. Johnston offered a grounded perspective, acknowledging these shifts while reinforcing the timeless importance of literary integrity.
Strengthening Community Through Literature
Lone Star College’s Writers in Performance series has long served as a platform for connecting students and the wider community with influential literary voices. Johnston’s visit not only deepened appreciation for literary fiction but also underscored the relevance of storytelling in today’s fast-paced, media-saturated world.
Faculty members praised the event as both educational and inspirational. “Bret Anthony Johnston’s visit reminded us of literature’s unique ability to help us understand ourselves and others,” said one English professor. “His words reached our students on both a creative and human level.”
The event reaffirmed the college’s commitment to fostering literary engagement and nurturing emerging voices in the arts. For those in attendance, it was an evening of meaningful dialogue, professional insight, and renewed enthusiasm for the written word.
