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Author
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Comment
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Laura
McCaffrey
Registered User
(1/27/03 11:30:45 am)
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OT - seeking advice for a fantasy reading
Hey all,
Hope you don't mind this request, but I need a bit of help. I've been invited to do a bookstore reading. The thing is, my book is an otherworld fantasy with made-up terms, geography, etc. In this situation, how does one choose a passage to read that won't entirely confuse listeners? I know, I know, if I'd gone out to readings more I'd know how such things works. But, in thinking on this, I realized that at most fantasy readings I've been to, the authors were famous and the listeners were already quite familiar with their work. This won't be the case when I'm standing up in front of people.
Anyway - thanks in advance and if you'd rather not post to the list, send to:
laura@laurawilliamsmccaffrey.com
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Jess
Unregistered User
(1/27/03 11:42:48 am)
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OT
Laura,
Try to pick a passage(s) that has meaning or depth beyond your fantasy terminology. If you can give the listeners some background to orient them, and if necessary explain a little bit about your fantasy world/terms, I think it will be easier than you think. You want the listeners to be intrigued enough to read your book if they haven't done so already, but not so informed as to have no further interest, so don't worry about giving it all away. Part of the fun of reading fantasy is to unwind the universe afterall. This is not all that different from orienting lay-people to a techinical discussion - you can do this.
Btw, when and where is the reading?
Jess
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Gregor9
Registered User
(1/27/03 12:15:58 pm)
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Re: OT
Laura,
For what it's worth...
I read at KGB a couple weeks back with Kate Bernheimer. I elected to read a section from the middle of my novel, FITCHER'S BRIDES. Until then I'd been keeping to the opening chapter, because as such it requires little explanation. The listeners are plunging in exactly as your reader will, regardless of whether you're a famous author and anyone knows the rules, etc. So once solution is to read the opening, assuming it's got a hook, and offers you a place to stop that leaves them wanting to know more.
If, as I did at KGB, you read from further into the book, first pick something that's dynamic and exciting to hear, and second, pick something that will work with a brief introduction--that is, that's somewhat encapsulated so that you don't have to explain the whole book in order to present it, only a few facts, or terms that they're going to encounter within the reading so that you don't have to stop the narrative to explain. Your audience just needs a point of reference--"this is where Katja explores the caves"--in order to follow you beyond that. Define the things that need defining before you start the reading (and don't make this a long list), and then they'll go wherever you take them. Trust me.
Greg
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Laura
McCaffrey
Registered User
(1/28/03 2:09:35 pm)
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Re: OT
Jess and Greg,
Thanks to both of you. The advice and cheerleading has helped a great deal.
The reading is still a bit away, but I have to schedule it now. The bookseller asked if I could do a reading and before I said yes I wanted to know more about how I could actually do it and make it work! So, in answer to your question Jess, probably in April and in Montpelier VT.
Best,
Laura
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