On the Shoulders of Giants

Andrew Holleran, one of my literary idols, was in San Francisco recently to promote his new (and brilliant) novella, Grief. His reading at A Different Light was packed with fans eager to hear the latest from the author of the classic Dancer from the Dance, Nights in Aruba, and other greatly influential novels—and they were not disappointed. Grief is a very moving story, told with Holleran’s characteristic balance of humor and lyricism. It’s a rather quiet story, leisurely paced, whose emotions burrow under the surface and sneak up on you unexpectedly. Holleran is not a writer who hits you over the head; he knows it’s far more effective to get under your skin instead.

After the reading, as he was signing my copy of the book, I asked his advice about my upcoming reading at the same store on July 11. He was graciously encouraging—and I hope his own ease with the process rubs off a bit. It will be intimidating enough to take my place at the same table so recently presided over by a literary giant.

Live from San Francisco...

This past Thursday I made my radio debut, an appearance on “Out in the Bay” on KALW FM 91.7. The host, Eric Jansen, interviewed me about CHEMISTRY and gave me the opportunity to read a couple of passages aloud. I admit to entering the studio with a little trepidation, but once we were on the air the butterflies flew out of my stomach and I really began to enjoy the experience. Eric and I had a wide-ranging conversation, from specifics about the book to the larger issues it raises—the effects of depression, the perils of dating, the lessons of self-discovery. It was a lot of fun, and I hope, interesting for the audience. The show will be rebroadcast on Sunday, July 9, at 2:00 pm PT and is also available online, at http://www.kalw.org/.

On the Radio

Media Update:
I will be interviewed on "Out in the Bay," a show airing on San Francisco station KALW 91.7 FM. The program airs live on Thursday, July 6, at 7:30 pm PT, with a repeat on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Outside of the Bay Area, you should also be able to hear it on www.kalw.org.
I will be talking about my novel CHEMISTRY and promoting my upcoming reading at A Different Light Bookstore in SF on July 11.