Robert Kirvel
Robert D. Kirvel’s path to becoming a writer was shaped by an early life steeped in the value of education and diligence. Growing up in a working-class family in the Midwest Rustbelt, Kirvel’s parents emphasized the importance of learning and effort. Yet, it was an exceptional teacher who left a lasting impact on him. "She expertly managed four grades in one experimental classroom and banned all erasers except her own so she could individually address every mistake a student made," Kirvel recalls. This meticulous attention to detail, combined with the influence of a dedicated educator, set the foundation for Kirvel’s later pursuits in both science and writing.
The Awakening to Creativity
Kirvel’s early love for classical piano, particularly his admiration for Van Cliburn after the pianist’s triumph at the Tchaikovsky Competition, revealed to him the distinction between technical skill and creative brilliance. "While I could learn to perform a composition by hitting the right keys, creative individuals brought much more to the table, including original interpretation," he reflects. This realization drove him to rededicate himself to pursuits where he could strive for excellence, a motivation that has persisted throughout his life.
Kirvel’s formal education in science, culminating in a doctoral degree in what is now known as neuroscience, further honed his critical thinking skills. "As an undergraduate, I was drawn to science with its focus on logic and analysis," he explains. This foundation in analytical thinking later found an outlet in technical and science writing during his years at a national laboratory. It was only after decades of writing on esoteric topics that Kirvel turned his hand to creative writing, a transition that has since led to the publication of 50 stories across six countries and two books—a novel published in London and a collection of essays published in the U.S.
An Experimental Approach to Writing
For Kirvel, writing is a fluid and imaginative process, especially when it comes to fiction. "Style itself and an imaginative—even experimental—application of language can be as compelling as storyline or subject matter," he says. His influences are as diverse as his output, ranging from authors like Melville, Nabokov, and Didion to scholars such as Oliver Sacks and Bertrand Russell. The originality displayed by these creative individuals serves as an ongoing source of inspiration for Kirvel, who, while humble about his place among them, strives to capture a similar depth in his own work.
When it comes to his writing routine, Kirvel eschews a fixed schedule. "I often write in spurts that can last just a few minutes or for the better part of a day, but always in an environment free from distractions," he explains. He allows his writing to flow naturally, stopping when the words no longer come and turning to other activities such as gardening or hiking. "Forcing myself to ‘sit there and work’ has never worked for me," he admits, highlighting his intuitive approach to the creative process.
Reflections on Life and Writing
Kirvel’s life and work have been profoundly shaped by three pivotal events: being labeled an "abomination" by a grade-school substitute teacher, losing nearly all his friends to AIDS during the 1980s and 90s, and encountering unapologetic bigotry close to home. "I believe that being born into the world—or simply perceived—as a minority often has profound consequences on an individual’s outlook," he shares. These experiences have deepened his empathy toward others and frequently inform his essays and creative nonfiction, which explore themes of judgment, prejudice, and alienation.
Winning the Chautauqua Editor’s Prize for Nonfiction and the Steel Toe Books Prize for his writing on these subjects has been deeply rewarding for Kirvel. "Such recognition reinforces the idea that, no matter how widespread or limited my reading audience might be, at least some individuals respond to the message positively," he says. This acknowledgment fuels his dedication to writing about the human experience with honesty and insight.
Inspiration from the Natural World
Kirvel’s connection to the natural world is another source of inspiration, one that dates back to his first summer trip to the Rocky Mountains as a teenager. "It was so deeply affecting that I resolved to reconnect with that environment when circumstances allowed," he recalls. This connection eventually led him to take his first teaching job as a professor in Montana, where he now returns twice a year to a remote cabin overlooking the Livingston Range of Glacier National Park—a retreat he built by hand with his brother and three nephews.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
For those just starting their writing journey, Kirvel emphasizes the importance of practice and perseverance. "Only after years of practice did I become more adept at expressing on the page what I intend to express," he advises. His approach to writing is one of continual improvement, encouraging aspiring writers to "write and write some more; submit and resubmit." Even if a piece is initially rejected, Kirvel advocates for revising and continuing to submit to different publications. "If I believe in a piece that is rejected early on but elicits at least some positive response, I continue to revise and submit," he says.
Robert D. Kirvel’s journey as a writer is marked by a dedication to exploring complex themes through both fiction and nonfiction. His work is a testament to the power of critical thinking, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of creative expression. As he continues to write and inspire, his stories offer readers a thoughtful reflection on the human condition, shaped by a lifetime of diverse experiences and profound insights.
