Talk about ruining a reading
Book talks and events don’t always go to plan, as Lorraine Mace knows only too well
Lorraine Mace
NOTES FROM THE MARGIN
One of the delights of being an author is giving talks and reading from published works. Although scary, there is something wonderful about standing in front of an audience of book lovers and sharing the world that once only existed inside the author’s mind. Most of the writers I know say getting instant feedback from readers, finding out which characters they love – or love to loathe – is a complete buzz.
However, not all those attending such readings are as well-behaved or polite as one would wish. I remember the first time I gave a reading of my children’s book, Vlad the Inhaler. I was confronted by a circle of inquisitive young faces, all clearly wondering what was going to happen. The intensity of their gazes was almost terrifying, but their expressions soon changed to rapt enjoyment as they became engrossed in the story. At least, that was the case before their concentration was interrupted.