Tayari's Blog: Report From The Road: Phoenix
Posted by TayariJones on May 20, 2005 08:48 PM
Filed under
Book Tour
Okie Dokie. I wrapped up the Phoenix leg of the tour with a reading at the big library downtown. Perhaps I've gotten cocky-- I do so many readings. I think I have my little routine down. But then, in the Q&A, a woman raised her hand and said something utterly disconcerting.
Imagine the scene. It's a public library auditorium. I'm reading from The Untelling. Reading a chapter I've read before. This is chapter four-- when Aria and her sister Hermione find themselves locked out of the house. It's a good chapter, I think.
I read it. It was fine. Q&A was going fine. Fine, I tell you.
Questioner: Did you name your character, Hermione. after the Harry Potter character?
Me: Nope.I was thinking about H.D. and her novel, HERmione.
Questioner: Oh, that's interesting.
Questioner: Do you write on paper or computer?
Me: Both.
Okay. I was having a pretty pleasant, if predictable experience. And then...
A hand.
Me: Yes?
Questioner: Okay, as I see it this is set in what? 1978? Your charater says the f-word three times. Is that just a cheap gimmick you threw in to try and sell a book?
Okay! Now. Here is the dilemma. There are things I could have said. For example: F-word YOU! But that wouldn't have done me any good. You can't attack an audience member just because she is presumptive, rude, and generally tactless. So, what's a girl to do? If she is a southern girl like me. She smiles. And then she keeps smiling. My full orthodontia was on display. Finally,
Me: (with a dramatic sigh, but still smiling) Oh, if only it were so easy to sell books.
Then, I got a little bit relfective.
Me: And anyway, it's not the "f-word" that sells book! SEX sells books! And alas, there is no sex in The Untelling. Oh wait! There is a little bit of sex, but nobody enjoys it. I promise.
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There are 3 comments on "Report From The Road: Phoenix". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by Willie Mink
Ha! Good comeback. Your response was perfect, methinks.
May 21, 2005 02:29 AM
Comment #2, by Erika D.
I was at one of your readings in PHX. I curse. I use all of the dirty words available. However, I still flinch when I hear curse words. When you read parts of the chapter, I flinched and cringed. Fortunately,that did not deter from buying the book. If I recall correctly, I don't remember any other "dirty" words except the "S" word in reference to Aria. If I had let your reading set the scene 4 the book,I may not have read it. Don't get me wrong you were delightful. I emailed all of my girlfriends to tell them to check you out. I will also recommend the book. Delete this message if you like. I just wanted to share my random thoughts. Also, to her "H" calling her mother a "B" was apalling and quite unbelievable. I mean I don't care for my mother that much but to call her such a strong word. I wasn't buying it.
May 28, 2005 01:03 AM
Comment #3, by tayari
Hi Erica,
Thanks for such a careful reading of The Untelling. And extra thank you for spreading the words to all your friends. I really really appreciate it. Word of mouth is EVERYTHING to newer writers.
As for the language: I really go out of my way to use langauge that I think goes organically with the characters and their situation. In my characterization of Hermione, I decided that in such a situation of EXTREME disfunction, that her langauge and descriptions would be justified. Also, I think that Hermione's rage made for a nice contrast to Aria's more accomodating personality.
May 28, 2005 11:34 AM