Scenes for readings

[Jo Zebedee]

Since I now have guinea pigs to ask...

I have two readings to come up with. One is in a couple of weeks time at my launch event (14th May) for about 10 mins.

The other is bigger - it's for a con with a few other decent readers there. Like Joe Abercrombie. And that's terrifying because I've heard him read. It's to last about 10-15 mins. I have a long lead in time to this one but would like some ideas to practice and play with.

I'd like to choose from the first part of the book as context for the second half would be hard to set. The prologue is the most likely for Waterstones but is only about seven minutes.

So, my question - did any scenes stand out? Were more memorable than others? Any thoughts?

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

The escape from Dignad is exciting, but I am not sure how much of that would fit in the 10-15 minutes.

But don't worry, nobody is going to expect you to read like Joe Abercrombie. If they are the type of people who go to a lot of readings, they will simply hope that you will read well and with expression, not put on a performance. Some people, when they read their work, do practically the whole thing in a monotone. Others fall into a whisper when their characters grow emotional. Read as though you were reading a story to your children.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Did you read Chrispy's excellent blog post recently about readings?

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Did you read Chrispy's excellent blog post recently about readings?

I did and have taken notes - it's why I started this, I wanted to print off some scenes like he suggested and try them out.

I'm not bad orally (but as some of you know, might be shaky on it) and I majored in theatre so have the voice skills. I was a tour guide for years, too, and am now a lecturer. But this feels different. Maybe I need a new mindset about it all, see it as something like the other things. Maybe. (But I made them up as I went along. I think I'll be happier on a panel, frankly.
)

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Make up something new as you go along, then, and tell them it's from your newest WIP.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

I agree with Teresa, that the Dignad escape would be a good choice -- and also Chapter 19, on Corun. Both of those have lots of action as well as heavy emotion.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Actually, Corun hadn't occurred to me. It stands alone and showcases the Kare/Lichio dynamic well. I'll time that one and Dignad.

 

[Brian G Turner]

I recommend the prologue - it's purpose is to entice. Later chapters are reliant on context.

A lesson from stand-up comedy is that it is better to leave the stage early after a good performance, than risk dragging out a full slot.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I recommend the prologue - it's purpose is to entice. Later chapters are reliant on context.

A lesson from stand-up comedy is that it is better to leave the stage early after a good performance, than risk dragging out a full slot.

I think for the first one, it's my definite and leave question time. But for the second, it may be the same audience, or a crossover, and is twice as long, so a meatier scene might be good for it.

 

[millymollymo]

I've only got as far as chapter one, Springs, but I'd second Brian's suggestion. You'll be more comfortable with it second time around at the second event. You'll get more sleep the night before (or at least be worrying about different things.)