I’m so excited for my first post on this blog! Thanks to Mona and everyone who helped put this together!
A question for you writers out there for today.
So, because I live in New Jersey, I was lucky to be able to attend the Lady Jane Salon reading this past week. Let me tell you—the club where the reading was held, Madame X, was a romance writer’s dream. Rich red lighting, shabby-ish red velvet furniture, big Victorian lamps with black fringe (and red light bulbs, of course). It was like Fangtasia (woot! to fellow True Blood fans!)—but NYC style.
I heard and met some fabulous writers, Maya Rodale, Andrea Pickens, and Elizabeth Mahon reading for Amanda McCabe.
For the most part, reading a romance novel has always been such a private pleasure for me. When I’m reading silently, I can adore and embrace the wonderful cheese and gratuity of some romances however I please. I make no secret of loving romance for its grandiose passion and unselfconscious style.
But Lady Jane turns all of that private pleasure thing on its head. Hearing someone read (perform) a romance is a much different thing than reading silently and alone!
I’ll be honest, I’d be lying if I said I didn't want to giggle--giggle, as in, like a school girl—at some of the racier camp that I love so much. It was so great hearing how other people interpret those wonderful “come hither” lines and flirtations. Some part of me got to relish her inner twelve year old in public, and it was fabulous!
So here’s the question part. So far in my (newish) career (my last two books with GCP, my two forthcoming ones with Berkley), I’ve managed to avoid reading my own work aloud. I give talks and lectures, sit on panels—all easier than reading my own work in my own voice.
Apparently I’m not the only one who gets reading shy. Rumor has it that Eloisa James is also a bit skittish about reading her work aloud.
What’s your take on this? Do you feel shy to read your own work to a crowd? Or do you love it? What’s your secret?
Also, because I can’t resist myself, True Blood starts this weekend. Is anyone else pumped?!?
Cheers!
Lisa Dale
PS - A quick note: Along with rallying the nerd-troops in support of libraries everywhere, I’m giving away a copy of Robyn DeHart’s wonderful historical romance Seduce Me over on my blog today. Drop in to win!
PSS - I normally wouldn't put my face on a blog post like this, but I was stumped as to what pict would be appropriate to use! So...my face it is.
