One advantage of living near Albany is I can attend the New York State Writer’s Institute Visiting Writers Series. This past week I went to a Tom Perrotta reading.
I was excited about seeing Tom. He’s been one of my favorite authors for years. I learned a few writing techniques from his novel, LITTLE CHILDREN, loved ELECTION, and was intrigued to hear him read from his new novel, THE LEFTOVERS.
I’ve been to a lot of author readings. Some authors are dynamic and put on a real show. Others are more straightforward. Tom Perrotta is one of the latter. He quietly introduced his new novel by telling the audience the premise and describing the situation for the part he was about to read. Then he read, without a lot of emotional range.
Sometimes I’m one of those people who daydream while trying to listen to an author read, but I was captivated by this reading: the language, the visuals, the pace, the dialogue—even the steady tone of Tom’s voice.
After the reading, Tom endured the usual Q&A. And as usual, there were a few wacky questions he had to parry as best he could. The whole event was over in an hour, and I was satisfied. My friend who accompanied me was less impressed, wishing Tom had been more dynamic in his reading and presentation.
I’m not sure exactly what an author owes his audience at a reading. Everyone who shows up wants to be entertained, of course, but not every author is a compelling presenter. Not all of them offer up personal anecdotes and relevant backstory, or have dynamic personalities. In fact, writers are often writers for a reason: they’d rather be alone working at their desks, not speaking in front of audiences.
I had a moment to chat with Tom after his presentation. It’s such a privilege to meet authors who you really admire. Tom has so much equity with me because of his writing that I was completely fine with his understated in-person performance. I guess for me, what an author really owes his audience are great books—and an opportunity to hear them read.
It’s rare that a movie sustains an ominous tone throughout its length, but 
