Unfortunately, the self we miss at such moments, the elusively authentic, creative and spontaneous side of our character, is not ours to summon at will. Our access to it is, to a humbling extent, determined by the places we happen to be in,
...more
“Are there elements of stardom that I miss? Why, there are elements of boarding school that I miss. There are elements of my most catastrophic romances that I miss. So let us agree that missing is not at the heart of the matter.”
― Table for Two
― Table for Two
“Don't practice individual tricks. Practice the whole act as a unit. The trick should lose its individual identity now.”
― Showmanship for Magicians
― Showmanship for Magicians
“SELLING the trick is more important than doing it.”
― Showmanship for Magicians
― Showmanship for Magicians
“Good general rules for the presentation of a trick or a program of tricks follow: Gradually slow down your tempo as you approach the climax of your trick or act. During the last few moments of your final effect ritard the action more and more. Pause two or three seconds after each IMPORTANT phrase. Pause almost twice as long just before the phrase establishing a point. These are general rules for insuring clarity and adding punch through captured attention.”
― Showmanship for Magicians
― Showmanship for Magicians
“But don't make the mistake of doing another trick for them. You've got 'em where you want 'em now. Don't risk loosing that smash finish. When they're yelling, clapping, whistling, and stamping, you're on top. If you go back and do another trick and they're content to let you finish, you've lost a lot of ground. Quit at the peak.”
― Showmanship for Magicians
― Showmanship for Magicians
Jay’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Jay’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
More friends…
Polls voted on by Jay
Lists liked by Jay



























