I have a new book coming out, so I do movie, book, movie, book, movie, book, every place we go.
The City That Reads
I go to readings by fiction writers like Alice Walker, and I'm envious of the level of attention they generate.
I worked probably 25 years by myself, just writing and working, not trying to publish much, not giving readings.
I've gone to readings to see authors after meeting them on Twitter. And while there, I've found myself sitting next to still more writers who I met on Twitter, too.
There are some writers I think who love to go around and visit bookstores and just interact.
There are other types of public appearances a writer does in addition to book signings and readings. Each calls for different skills. None of these skills, needless to say, are those that go into writing books.
I usually write at my kitchen table, nothing exotic. I don't need any equipment. I don't have to organise anyone else to rehearse, and when I do a reading, lots of women and girls come, whereas gigs are dominated by men. Not against men, but I want to communicate to women.
I meet people at book signings. My record now, for signing, is ten and a half hours in one sitting.
My readers are as diverse as any group you will ever see. Something that booksellers always tell me. That they are always surprised at the kind of people that come to my readings. That they are such a mix of ages and colors. It looks like people spilling out of an elevator.
It's been wonderful to hear so many excited and intelligent responses to 'Beautiful Children,' not only from reviewers but also from the people coming out to my readings.
