Anatomy of a Novel:  LLI Member Pens First Book of ‘Historical Fiction’

College Spotlight on Lee Sacks

Lee Sacks had written little more than a business letter when he took the plunge into writing a novel. One year and 489 pages later, the novice writer completed The Incredible Life of Pinnie Lavan, the story of a Polish tailor whose success as an immigrant in America in the mid-1900s is set against a backdrop of “historical fiction.”

Finishing a novel was a personal accomplishment for Sacks, 74, who said that he is in a “renewal process” rather than retirement. His journey into writing began almost by accident after attending an open house at the Lifelong Learning Institute, part of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences at Nova Southeastern University.

A few years ago, Sacks happened to discover the LLI after he parked outside its office while waiting for a shuttle bus to the main NSU campus. Intrigued, Sacks attended one of the institute’s monthly writers’ workshops, where members read and critique each other’s work. Sacks wrote a memoir about his grandfather. Soon, he was hooked on writing.

 “I was encouraged by the other participants,” said Sacks, who was the key speaker at a recent LLI program, where he discussed his work. “I would write a chapter and [the other members] would be supportive of my work. None of this would have happened without the LLI. For sure, I wouldn’t be working on a second novel.”

His first book started as a short story that grew. Set in Sacks’ hometown of Philadelphia, the protagonist Pinnie Lavan finds adventure as he rises to the top of the men’s garment manufacturing business. Along the way, he confronts some of the atrocities of Nazi Germany during World War II.

Sacks worked with a writing coach during various parts of the book. “I had about 10 chapters left when the coach encouraged me to write the last chapter,” Sacks said. “Writing the ending helped me stay on track.” 

Edward N. Aqua, D.Eng., director of the LLI, said the writers’ workshop is an example of one of the institute’s peer-led learning groups. Members engage in a discussion of open comment and criticism.
“No one takes umbrage at it,” Aqua said. “It’s all done in the strong belief that they are there to learn. The program engenders trust among participants." Other LLI members also have published their work, including short stories, memoirs, essays, and poetry. The writers include Ruth Lazarus, Don Siegendorf, Albert Solomon, and Betty Hill.

For Sacks, writing is now a passion. After a long career as regional sales and marketing manager of a national banking equipment company, he enjoyed a new profession as an independent insurance broker. “Writing is the creative pursuit I was always seeking,” he said. “Several years ago, our rabbi gave a sermon about how important it is to explore your passions. At the time, I didn’t have any. All I had was work,” Sacks said. “Now I get very upset with myself if I miss a day of writing. It gives me the opportunity to feel creative. I’m writing to feed myself, to feed my soul. It’s a labor of love,” said Sacks, whose book is sold online at www.LeeSacksAuthor.blogspot.com. He gave two copies to Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center and a third to the LLI.

What was his most difficult challenge?  “I’m a two-finger typist,” said Sacks. “I got discouraged at times, particularly after reading Pat Conroy’s Beach Music. It made me feel humble and inept, but I didn’t quit. “Instead of asking why, I’m a person who asks, why not?”