Devoted to publishing, publishers and to those who craft the written word

“The cold-war era was a very special time to be a child. We were appreciated. World leaders hell-bent on universal destruction might be accumulating nuclear armaments like the lucky winners of a Nickelodeon-sponsored Toys 'R Us shopping spree, but even the homeliest child could send a hand-letter plea for peace … and land herself a spot on the evening news.”

That’s my favorite passage from Rachel Shukert’s new memoir, Have You No Shame? It’s a dark and comic look at my generation, a little bit of history spiced with deeply personal insights—exactly what a good memoir should be.

Today, Rachel explains how she takes these sparkling paragraphs on the road, giving us tips for building a better public reading.

Welcome to my deceptively simple feature, Five Easy Questions. In the spirit of Jack Nicholson’s mad piano player, I run a weekly set of quality conversations with writing pioneers—delivering some practical, unexpected advice about web writing.

Jason Boog:
What role will readings play in your book promotion process? What's your advice for writers who want to engage the audience and read in a more dramatic style?

Rachel Shukert:
I'm a total exhibitionist, so I love doing readings!  I have several more lined up this summer and am  hoping to do lots more this fall. Continue reading...

I'm going to Omaha at the end of June to do a few readings, and will be returning in September--hopefully I shan't be pelted with unpleasant objects by the citizenry.  Also, it's a good chance to force your product on people.

I am really glad you asked me about reading out loud, because it's something I've thought of a lot.  I feel like a lot of writers either hate doing it, or think that they have to "act it out" somehow to make it interesting--and it's really much simple. 

All you have to do is connect the thoughts--its something  you hear a lot doing Shakespeare.  Connect the thoughts--read it so it makes sense.  Read it the way it sounds in your head. 

People will be engaged, just be present and happy to be there, and logical in the way you enunciate a sentence.  It can be very fun.  As writers, we spend so much time alone, working in a vaccuum, and so rarely get to see first-hand the response to our work, so enjoy it!