“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

That quote has become a part of the American language thanks to “Forrest Gump,” the 1994 film by Robert Zemeckis.

The film was an adaptation of a 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom.

Groom spoke at Miller’s Banquet Hall on Friday as part of the Embarras Valley Film Festival.

But it wasn’t his accomplishments he came to talk about.

His main topic of conversation was his close friend, author James Jones.

Jones’ daughter, Kaylie Jones introduced Groom for the evening.

“He’s an old family friend,” she said.

Groom talked about Vietnam, James’ novel and what three things prompted him to start writing novels.

“I love hearing him talk about my dad like that. Some things he said I did not know,” Kaylie said.

After serving in Vietnam, Groom went to work for the Washington Star for eight years until he quit to pursue his writing. He said three things that happened to him during his time at the Star pushed him to write novels.

Aside from a failed marriage and Watergate, Groom said meeting Adam Shaw from the Washington Post also contributed.

He said Shaw was different from other reporters he had met.

“Unlike most reporters, he was a nice guy,” Groom said.

Groom sought advice for his novel and turned to Shaw, who he ended up living with for a short time.

“We were the Odd Couple,” Groom said.

Groom also looked to James Jones for help.

“Jim was a towering figure in World War II literature,” Groom said. “He was a spokesman for the novelization of that whole war; he dominated the subject.”

James wrote the “Thin Red Line” and “From Here to Eternity,” which were both turned into movies.

Groom said he has a lot of respect for his friend and it is something his daughter appreciates.

“Last time I heard him speak was at a funeral,” Kaylie said. “It was nice to see him tonight on a high note. I can listen to him talk about this stuff all day long.”

Although Groom had little to say about himself, he did have time to praise the Southern background he had and credit his writing style to it.

“In the South there’s a tradition of storytelling,” Groom said. “There’s talent all over the place. I can’t imagine if (William) Faulkner had been from Minnesota.”

Fact Box:

Other Novels by Groom

Better Times Than These 1978

As Summers Die 1980

Only 1984

Forrest Gump 1986

Gone the Sun 1988

Gump & Co. 1995

Such a Pretty, Pretty Girl 1999

Winstion Groom, the author of “Forrest Gump” ponders a thought during his presentation as part of the Embarras Film Festival, Friday night at the Miller’s Baquet Facility. Karla Browning/The Daily Eastern News

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