Jess Walter

Journalism, creative writing students and professors filled the room with laughs as the New York Times best selling author, Jess Walter read from his newest book, The Financial Lives of the Poets, and discussed the future of journalism.

“No one ever got rich in the newsroom, but you did it because it’s your passion,” Walter said in CADD Thursday evening.

From journalist to New York Times bestseller, Walter encouraged the students in the room to stick with their careers despite the decline in popularity of journalism. Writing may not be the most popular American pass-time but story telling, novels, and fiction writing will always be there, said Walter.

“I’ve had my doubts about sticking with my major and Jess’s words were encouraging. It helped solidify that I am in the right place,” junior english major Makenna Nystrom said after attending Walter’s speech.