We see crowds for writers like Billy Collins and Anne Lamott, among others of the most gifted among us. But these throngs have much to do with celebrity, it seems to me, and less to do with a love of hearing good work read aloud in an author’s voice. You don’t get standing-room only very often at the local writers open mic night.He goes on to wax poetic about a recent Justin Taylor event and readings in general, and I agree with all that. But how do we get people to come out?
I was freshly reminded this past week of the impact a good reader has on an audience and how a good reader can “sell,” or illuminate, the written work itself...
One answer is the sort of lit/music smashup Harlan Coben and Missy Higgins got together last year when he was touring his latest novel. Colleen and I went to see them at the Firehouse Saloon in downtown Houston. The place was packed with mystery fans, music lovers, and lesbians. (Best. Audience. Ever.)
