Weekend Spotlight: Author Neil Gabler To Speak at Amagansett Library

Author, historian, film critic and political commentator Neal Gabler will visit the Amagansett Library for "" Saturday evening to discuss "The Art of Biography."

Gabler is the author of four biographical books, including his most recent Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination.

Gabler will offer advice about the writing process, and also reflect on the mindset and commitment necessary to take on the daunting process of biography writing.

"You have to be a lunatic to do this," Gabler said in a recent phone interview. "I think it has to be in your bones or you don't do it. Writing isn't a profession, it's an addiction."

Gabler believes the art of the biography lies in obsessing over a story with a certain point of commentary, approaching the subject with the idea of seeing a culture through the character's prism.

In addition to his work as an author and film critic Gabler is also an essayist, professor and political pundit with The Los Angeles Times, Fox News, and other media outlets.

Gabler's four books written about the history of Hollywood and entertainment includes a critically-acclaimed biography of gossip columnist and radio broadcaster Walter Winchell. Gabler's next published work will be a biography of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

This is the fifth installment of Authors After Hours this summer, a free event at Amagansett Library. During each meeting one author is invited to speak to an audience of about 50 and engage in a Q&A with guests. , Hilary Thayer Hamann, Carol Muske-Dukes and Gary Reiswig have been previous guests.

The event begins at 6 p.m.