I'd love to see you next time you're reading at KGB.
One of the best books I read on performing live prose, interestingly enough was by Bob Hope's comedy writer, Gene Peret. It's called "Successful Stand Up Comedy: Advice from a Comedy Writer" -- it has all the mechanics of great live performance you need to captivate an audience, spark their imaginations but control where their attention goes as you're reading, so their thoughts don't wander off and distract from what you're saying. It's an old book, but it still holds up. It's my comedian version of Strunk & White.
I'm writing more today since the time that I was an undergrad at Haveford almost 20 years ago, churning out a paper or more a week. I still haven't made a career of the pen, but reading reflections like this from writers who have is valuable to me. Thank you.
Ross, nice piece, as usual. Is there anything more NYC than listening to Philip Roth at what is now 92NY?
That said, I'm not 100% in agreement. I've had students tell me they don't buy a book they haven't listened to. And a lot of people have told me they prefer to listen to me read. I personally don't like listening to books very much, so I found this odd. I there seem to be three interrelated reasons. First, a lot of my writing is ironic, but it can be difficult for the reader to be sure. Sometimes tone of voice helps. Second, listening (like television) carries the listener along. Difficult passages don't stop the reader, forcing him to keep going. Third, the voice adds an extra layer of meaning. For example, in the case of the counterterrorism book that I'm now converting to audio, a certain world-weariness. Again, keep up the good work.
Finding a 5 minute section with some funny parts to it has always been a winning formula for me. Humor tends to play well in those settings, and it’s a nice confidence boost when you hear the crowd laugh. 5 mins I’ve found is often more than enough. I dread when I’m asked to read more than that.
I had the privilege of giving a reading recently at a Jersey Shore bookstore, mainly close friends and family, but I completely agree - it takes something that other performances typically don't. My hand was shaking throughout, which is rare for me in front of audiences. I gave a short talk back and agree that in some ways that is the most worthwhile. I think it's the idea of the writer and all the dedication, discipline, and reflectiveness that it implies which attracts people. That someone is still at it, despite all the odds, still listening to the voices outside and in, and transcribing to the best of their ability, with everything they have and everything they are.
Not sure if you ever saw Chuck Klosterman at Book Court, Gelf, Community, etc., but this was his approach to book readings. “You can read, so I’ll read a page perfunctorily, then let’s do a Q&A for the rest of my time.” Best “reading” events I’ve been to.
Is there, for lack of a better term, an "organic" demand for these readings, or are they just done because that's how it's always been done, kind of a thing?
I'm with your Dad. I don't need to hear the author read the literal book. I'd much rather hear some of their thoughts on writing research, etc.
I'd love to see you next time you're reading at KGB.
One of the best books I read on performing live prose, interestingly enough was by Bob Hope's comedy writer, Gene Peret. It's called "Successful Stand Up Comedy: Advice from a Comedy Writer" -- it has all the mechanics of great live performance you need to captivate an audience, spark their imaginations but control where their attention goes as you're reading, so their thoughts don't wander off and distract from what you're saying. It's an old book, but it still holds up. It's my comedian version of Strunk & White.
I'm writing more today since the time that I was an undergrad at Haveford almost 20 years ago, churning out a paper or more a week. I still haven't made a career of the pen, but reading reflections like this from writers who have is valuable to me. Thank you.
I’m with you! No matter how much I love a writer I wouldn’t show up just to see the, read their work. But answering questions yes for sure!
Ross, nice piece, as usual. Is there anything more NYC than listening to Philip Roth at what is now 92NY?
That said, I'm not 100% in agreement. I've had students tell me they don't buy a book they haven't listened to. And a lot of people have told me they prefer to listen to me read. I personally don't like listening to books very much, so I found this odd. I there seem to be three interrelated reasons. First, a lot of my writing is ironic, but it can be difficult for the reader to be sure. Sometimes tone of voice helps. Second, listening (like television) carries the listener along. Difficult passages don't stop the reader, forcing him to keep going. Third, the voice adds an extra layer of meaning. For example, in the case of the counterterrorism book that I'm now converting to audio, a certain world-weariness. Again, keep up the good work.
Finding a 5 minute section with some funny parts to it has always been a winning formula for me. Humor tends to play well in those settings, and it’s a nice confidence boost when you hear the crowd laugh. 5 mins I’ve found is often more than enough. I dread when I’m asked to read more than that.
I had the privilege of giving a reading recently at a Jersey Shore bookstore, mainly close friends and family, but I completely agree - it takes something that other performances typically don't. My hand was shaking throughout, which is rare for me in front of audiences. I gave a short talk back and agree that in some ways that is the most worthwhile. I think it's the idea of the writer and all the dedication, discipline, and reflectiveness that it implies which attracts people. That someone is still at it, despite all the odds, still listening to the voices outside and in, and transcribing to the best of their ability, with everything they have and everything they are.
Not sure if you ever saw Chuck Klosterman at Book Court, Gelf, Community, etc., but this was his approach to book readings. “You can read, so I’ll read a page perfunctorily, then let’s do a Q&A for the rest of my time.” Best “reading” events I’ve been to.
Is there, for lack of a better term, an "organic" demand for these readings, or are they just done because that's how it's always been done, kind of a thing?
I'm with your Dad. I don't need to hear the author read the literal book. I'd much rather hear some of their thoughts on writing research, etc.
I think there's some demand but if you polled people, more would definitely prefer question and answer