Book Launch/Reading October 18

Today, I am to read from Welcome to the Madhouse in public, for the first time.

I am a nervous wreck. Too bad it did not take my appetite away - at least something good would come out of this - but no . . . Appetite, unfortunately, is just fine! :(

I do not quite know when it became necessary for writers to read in public. I always thought writers were a shy, reclusive bunch . . . like me. Why else would one need to write, after all? If one was outgoing, talkative, exuberant, and extroverted, why waste time writing by oneself in a lonely room?

Now, however, a writer is expected to read in front of an audience. I have heard other authors say amongst themselves, 'this author is a terrible reader' or 'that author gives a good reading'. Now we not only have to perform, but other authors rate our readings, good or bad. I know which category I am going to fall into!

I used to read to my children when they were very young. I used to make up all of the voices. Try making up a different voice for every character in Harry Potter. It's not easy to do! But my children are now aged 24 and soon to be 26 years old. I am WAAAAYYY out of practice.

I have never liked the sound of my voice. Whenever I have heard it on playback messages or speaker phone, I cringe. Do you poor people have to listen to that, every time I open my mouth? Poor You! Nasal, flat, monotone,boring. In my mind, when I am writing, I have such a funny, provocative voice in my head. Why couldn't it do the reading?

People want to hear the author do the reading. Not someone else. Why? I could hire someone with a great speaking voice! It would be a more pleasant experience! What is this phenomenon called 'Author Reading'. I went and heard Margaret Atwood read at Erin Mills one year. I love Margaret Atwood's books. I did not care for her voice. Why should I? She's a writer, not an actress!Welcome To The MadhouseS.E. SasakiWelcome To The Madhouse

Thank goodness no one is paying to hear me read! They would want their money back! I am practicing but all I seem to do is practice the same mistakes over and over. I should have read the entire book out loud before I published it . . . or at least the first chapter!

Oh well. Please wish me luck, or is it, 'Break a leg'. Preferably before the reading at five pm. tonight so I won't have to make a fool of myself. They say doing things that frighten you, builds character. I think I'd rather eat a worm.

Here goes. Ahem. AHEM. . . bleep