"Only you, and maybe two other authors, could get me out of the house on a Tuesday night. It was so worth it. Maybe I'll conquer this creeping agoraphobia after all."
"I was secretly hoping you'd read my favorite passage, where _______ discovers that _________ did _________, but the one you chose was even better."
"The [name of fairly well-known author] recommended your book to me. She literally cried, because she found it so moving, but also I think because she wanted to have written it."
"Thank you for the narrator you chose. He made the book into a night at the theater every time I listened, and so I hired him to do my book, and he was just as fantastic." [okay, that one only applies to Rebecca.]
"Do you play music when you write?" [if, yes] Can you post a playlist on your substack?"
This was amazing and I loved it, AND I was super curious by the “'How do you balance being a mother with being a writer?' NO" bit. On the one hand, I completely get this because it's not like men are asked this on a routine basis. But also, as a mother myself with a fulltime day job who is desperately trying to find 15 seconds to write "on the side," HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A MOTHER WITH BEING A WRITER?! In all seriousness, how. Is it drugs? It's drugs, isn't it. Can I buy some? Hahahaha that's a joke (eye twitches). But in all seriousness, I want names.
Feb 9, 2023·edited Feb 9, 2023Liked by Rebecca Makkai
I could not love this more. Funny and informative. The hand gestures I would add are the chef's kiss "It's a feat!" and jazz hands "It's a feat!" or la barbe "It's a feat!"
Here is one: Don't ask an author questions about her contract at a group discussion. (Someone asked me about my film/TV rights and I didn't know the answer but moreover wanted to say "We all know nobody is going to turn this into a TV show or movie so why are you asking? Just to be mean?")
Thanks for another great installment! I've copied the "good-book-event-questions" bit and plan to ask you one of them on March 2nd during your reading at Green Apple Books in S.F.
This post was great, what a feat!
Good other things to say: [BE SPECIFIC]
"Only you, and maybe two other authors, could get me out of the house on a Tuesday night. It was so worth it. Maybe I'll conquer this creeping agoraphobia after all."
"I was secretly hoping you'd read my favorite passage, where _______ discovers that _________ did _________, but the one you chose was even better."
"The [name of fairly well-known author] recommended your book to me. She literally cried, because she found it so moving, but also I think because she wanted to have written it."
"Thank you for the narrator you chose. He made the book into a night at the theater every time I listened, and so I hired him to do my book, and he was just as fantastic." [okay, that one only applies to Rebecca.]
"Do you play music when you write?" [if, yes] Can you post a playlist on your substack?"
-“How do you balance being a mother with being a writer?” NO. - GOD BLESS YOU.
This was amazing and I loved it, AND I was super curious by the “'How do you balance being a mother with being a writer?' NO" bit. On the one hand, I completely get this because it's not like men are asked this on a routine basis. But also, as a mother myself with a fulltime day job who is desperately trying to find 15 seconds to write "on the side," HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A MOTHER WITH BEING A WRITER?! In all seriousness, how. Is it drugs? It's drugs, isn't it. Can I buy some? Hahahaha that's a joke (eye twitches). But in all seriousness, I want names.
I could not love this more. Funny and informative. The hand gestures I would add are the chef's kiss "It's a feat!" and jazz hands "It's a feat!" or la barbe "It's a feat!"
Your posts invariably make me laugh ... and think, too! Best posts ever!
Here is one: Don't ask an author questions about her contract at a group discussion. (Someone asked me about my film/TV rights and I didn't know the answer but moreover wanted to say "We all know nobody is going to turn this into a TV show or movie so why are you asking? Just to be mean?")
THANK you. So much more humane and kind!
Superb advice, each word!!!
I love this. So, so true.
You are the best
Rbecca Makkai that was a feat!!!! And very enlightning, and very funny. Merci beaucoup.
Thanks for another great installment! I've copied the "good-book-event-questions" bit and plan to ask you one of them on March 2nd during your reading at Green Apple Books in S.F.
Can't wait :-)
So good! 💯 % right on.
Loved all of this, and appreciate the thoughtful questions to consider at a book event!