Author Ingrid Thoft '86 on Writing, Reading, and the Shout-Out

While she may not have learned about crafting murder scenes or depicting suspect interrogations while a Shore student, Ingrid Thoft '86, the author of the Shamus Award-winning private-eye novel Brutality—the fourth in her series about investigator Fina Ludlow—says Shore was where she acquired the foundational skills that would play such a large role in her career as a professional writer, and beyond.

"At Shore, I learned how to organize my thoughts on paper, select the right words, make a persuasive argument, and engage readers," Thoft recalls. "When I speak to students, I try to impress upon them the importance of learning the cornerstones of writing. Even when you write fiction, the first piece of writing that potential agents see is a query letter in which you introduce yourself and your manuscript. What does a good query letter involve? You guessed it—organized thoughts, a persuasive argument, and evocative language, all of which serve to engage the reader."

Currently a Seattle resident, Thoft returned to campus on October 25, 2016, to speak with Upper Schoolers about her life and work. Students were captivated hearing about the extensive research she completes before finishing each of her books: to create a believable private-eye character, for example, she enrolled in the certificate program in private investigation at the University of Washington. She also recounted the many experiences she's had since then alongside Seattle police officers, who regularly take Thoft on "ride-alongs" which provide her with valuable insights that eventually find their way into her work.

Introducing Thoft before her presentation was Joanne Harder, a past Shore English teacher and Advancement officer. "I remember Mrs. Harder discussing the definition of values in one of my English classes," Thoft recounts. "She said that values are beliefs that you are willing to proclaim while standing on your desk, hollering them to the rooftops. I wasn’t just learning about Shakespeare and Ethan Fromm in my English classes at Shore; I was learning about ethics and integrity, which I think is indicative of the school's commitment to educating the whole individual, not just the student or the athlete or the artist."

Thoft says that she arrived at Shore a reader—thanks to parents who valued books and writers—and that that interest was certainly encouraged and reinforced here. But, she continues, "One of the wonderful things about Shore is that students don't have to be just one thing. You don't have to only be a good student or a jock or an artist. Students are encouraged to flourish in any and all aspects of school life, and there is an appreciation for personal growth. I played varsity field hockey and lacrosse during my years at Shore, and I also participated in the drama program. There were opportunities to explore all of my interests, and my participation in them wasn't dictated by my competency."

With five Fina Ludlow novels under her belt and a contract in hand for a sixth, does Thoft have any advice for Shore students and other young writers? "Read," she says, echoing the exact word Head of School Larry Griffin has repeated to children and families for decades. "Reading is a way to become better at everything you do, and even to become a better citizen of the world. You can learn new skills, be exposed to a different perspective, and give your brain a rest from the other things you spend your time doing. Don’t think you like to read? Ask a teacher or a librarian to help you find something that suits your interests and skill level. If you read, you will always have a safe, enriching place to go, and you will also have a connection to other people. Reading and the written word are extraordinarily powerful tools at your disposal."

 

Thoft also insists on the importance of saying thank you—another notion that seems to have ties to Shore, as if taken straight from our Community Code. "When people offer you their time or expertise or extend a kindness to you, thank them. I recently had a New York Times bestselling author tell me that I was the only writer in his career who had ever written him a thank-you note for providing an author blurb on my book. Three sentences and the ten minutes it takes to write them can make a lasting impression that will serve you well in ways you can't anticipate."

Thoft emphasized the importance of the thank-you note during her visit to Shore. She shared with students her notion of a "shout-out," a quick message or email to someone to say thank you or simply make a connection. Shout-outs, she said, had led to new opportunities and relationships, many of which eventually played a role in later successes. Being invited on police "ride-alongs" had resulted directly from one of these quick shout-outs, she said.

For Shore's budding writers, Thoft quotes Winston Churchill: "'Never, never, never give up.' Your work may be wonderful, but you will probably be rejected again and again. Don't give up. I’ve met many writers who are unwilling to accept criticism and incorporate feedback from their readers, but accepting criticism and incorporating feedback will make you a better writer."

Again, Thoft's advice seems to echo some aspect of Shore–perhaps this time it's the words of longtime English teacher and writing guru Walter Morris, who has said, "One of the most important things I try to encourage in my students is a willingness to ask for help. Being able to ask a question or admit you're having a hard time really is a life skill; it matters now, and it especially matters when you go on to high school and college."

If there is one thing that Thoft and Shore have in common, it is surely their shared faith in the value of looking outside oneself for inspiration. Thoft never would have experienced the kind of immediate connection to police work that she depends on in her novels, were it not for her reaching out, via a "shout-out," to the Seattle Police Department. Similarly, Shore students are encouraged to view feedback, questions, and even help from their peers around the Harkness table as essential to their preparation for success in school and in life.

Perhaps what Thoft brings back to Shore is proof that one of our signature values really has... value: looking outside one's own life, venturing outside one's comfort zone to take a risk, ask for help, or connect with others—these experiences pay dividends well beyond the walls of our school.