Chris Ballard, senior writer for Sports Illustrated, will present “The Power of Storytelling” on Monday, Feb. 24, at 5:30 p.m. in 201 Riley Hall at Linfield College.
Ballard will discuss the power of narrative to sway the hearts and minds of readers. Using examples from the literary world and his own career, Ballard will deconstruct the architecture of successful nonfiction stories and explain how they can be utilized to introduce and advance ideas. He will explain how to think cinematically, develop characters, identify flash points and create rising action. Ballard will also discuss how to apply storytelling tools to create a compelling narrative.
Since joining Sports Illustrated in 2000, Ballard has covered the NBA and the NFL, written more than 20 cover stories, penned the back page “Point After” column and produced features on a wide range of topics. In 2012, Ballard was a finalist for a National Magazine Award in profile writing for a piece on a Jehovah’s Witness struggling to choose between religion, his family and basketball. His work has won a National Headliner Award, the Joanie Award and the Henry Luce Award for outstanding story, the highest annual honor at Time Inc.
Ballard’s work has also appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and New York Times Magazine. He is the author of “One Shot at Forever,” “Hoops Nation,” “The Butterfly Hunter” and “The Art of a Beautiful Game.” In addition to “One Shot at Forever,” four of his magazine stories have been optioned for film, including one that is currently in production at Lionsgate Studios. Ballard is currently working as a consultant on two of the films. He holds degrees from Pomona College and Columbia University.
The lecture is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Linfield College Departments of Mass Communication, English and Political Science, as well as the sport management major and Linfield Nicholson Library. For more information, contact Pat Cottrell at pcottre@linfield.edu.
