If I didn’t know it before, I know it now. The skill set required for writing is very different than that required for reading aloud.
I read from my new novel on Thursday night at Another Read Through, an independent book store on Mississippi Avenue in Portland. My “stumble through” must not have mattered too much, though. I had six attendees (I only knew two of them) and sold eight books – including two copies of my first novel, “A Larger Universe.”
The discussion period lasted as long as the reading. People seemed very interested in why I wrote and how I found ideas, especially for the “world building” in both novels. I’m not sure they were satisfied with my answers. No one took notes, but I got the impression that some in my audience will be writing someday, if they’re not already.
This was the second time I’ve read before an audience, but the first time I was the only author present.
James L Gillaspy 