Attagirl!

 

 

     A friend asked me recently why I enjoy listening to writers talk about their books; what does it add, he wanted to know. I went today to hear Margaret Atwood, and I pondered his questions as I sat in the audience. My acquaintance with her work is slight as I've read only one of her novels, the superb Alias Grace (which the Book Group discussed at the beginning of the year) and her non-fiction Negotiating with the Dead, but I know much about her range and reputation.
    Today she read part of an unfinished short story - and she admitted she hasn't finished it because she doesn't know which way to take it and says it may get no further and lie in a drawer ! - she talked a bit about the writing process and a lot about her background, her family, the things which influenced her in her career path. She is a very funny lady with a dry wit and a laidback style and that combined with both wide and deep intelligence make her a pleasure to listen to.
     She discussed her invention LongPen which is now finding uses far beyond authors' signing sessions, the interruption to her publishing schedule caused by the US presidential election and the effect of that on the smoke alarm system in a Canadian hotel; how to make crystals with a supersaturated salt solution, and where to go (she discovered this for research purposes only, of course) if you want to get revenge on someone. She drew on elements of her grandparents' lives when writing Alias Grace, and she mentioned the quilts, which are a recurring motif in the book, though their precise significance wasn't touched on. So the hour was hugely varied, interesting and enjoyable and will, I think, inform in a subtle way my reading of her work. But even without 'enhancing' for me any future Atwood books, being there was great fun, and that's as good a reason as any for going, don't you think?

Comments

[Cath]

Sometimes it can be a matter of discovering as much as adding – a bit like literary speed-dating! If you make a point of buying tickets for writers you've never even heard of, or covering a subject you know little about, one enjoyable hour can set you off on paths you may never have ventured down otherwise. When I sent off for my first ever EBF programme several years ago, I was somewhat taken aback by the number of writers unknown to me – mostly arising from EBF's enduring interest in both world writing and new writers. I decided to give it a go anyway and find out who these people were. I then had the most incredible week, entertaining, stimulating, eye-opening. In contrast to my everyday world, it was a real treat for the intellect.

[Megan]

Thanks for sharing this experience with us. Negotiating with the Dead just showed up in the mail for me the other day.

I find writers and their writing process fascinating. I blogged about Atwood and her book on writing last Wednesday.

[adele geras]

You have lots of pleasure ahead of you. My favourites are Cat's Eye and esp. The Robber Bride. But there's also the Handmaid's Tale and the early Lady Oracle...oh, you'll be busy all right! She is a fascinating writer.

[Tara]

I cannot think of an author I'd like to hear speak more than Margaret Atwood. I've just completed a second reading of The Handmaid's Tale as was, as alwasy, struck by her brilliance. Did she say what she is currently working on? I'd love for her to write another full length novel.

[Susie Vereker]

How very interesting. I feel a little jealous. Margaret Atwood is my favourite writer and I'm always impressed by her shining intelligence when I see her on TV, even better to see her in real life. The book I like best is The Blind Assassin - blew me away with its brilliance.
Thanks for recommending Tobias Woolf, by the way, Karen.

[Susie Vereker]

Sorry, I mean Tobias Wolff!

[Lisa]

I would absolutely love to hear Atwood speak. I love her writing! Interestingly enough, however, I haven't read alias Grace. It's in my soon-to-be-read pile now.