GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY -- Legendary journalist and celebrated author Tom Brokaw addressed an audience of aspiring writers at Traverse City West High School today.

The appearance was part of the National Writers Series, which is a program “dedicated to bringing to life great conversations with today’s best-selling authors, journalists, and premier storytellers.”

During his speech today, Brokaw spoke about his experiences as a writer and offered advice to students in the crowd.

“You are always more successful when you write about a subject that you care deeply about…the more personal it is, and the more you can identify with it personally, the more you successful you are likely to be,” Brokaw said.

Hundreds of students, from all across northern Michigan, attended the event.

“I just thought it was really inspiring to hear him and all the work he has done. He is such a legacy,” TCAPS student Meg Sheehan said.

Brokaw’s speech was meant to encourage students to pursue their passion for writing. He said it’s a valuable skill that will always be important to our society.

“Those who write well will always have a place. If you can put together a coherent sentence and explain a complicated world to your audience, you have a real value in our society,” Brokaw said.