01-18-11:Steven R. Boyett Reads at SF in SF, on November 13, 2011
"I am sorry to have to tell you this."
—Steven R. Boyett
I'm definitely not sorry to have to tell you this; Steven R. Boyett's "I am sorry to have to tell you this" is one of the most powerful pieces I have ever heard read aloud. From the first chilling line to the final refrain, "I am sorry to have to tell you this," is a perfect example of what fiction can accomplish. This is indeed, what sound is about.
I really don't want to say too much about the content of this piece. Boyett tells us in his brief introduction that it was written as a radio drama, but never officially aired as such anywhere – until now, and I am proud to do so.
What I will say is that, like the other reading, the power of this hinges not just on the material, which is top-notch, but as well on the performance by Boyett. His reading is pitch-perfect; it's very measured. This is everything I would hope for from the author of 'The Answer Tree.' You can hear the story by following this link to the MP3 audio file.
01-17-11:Chuck Palahniuk Reads at Café du Nord
"Knock Knock"
—Chuck Palahniuk
Well, in theory it's been published, but since I don't read Playboy (at least, not for the fiction), I can't verify that's the case. By now, I know how variable the publishing world is. One second, an author might have six movie deals and three books forthcoming. In the next, they're blogging for their own website. Not that this is the likely fate of Chuck Palahniuk. But at least this is one sort-of justification for my procrastination with regards to podcasting this.
Of course, this recording is not all story. It's a document of sorts, to give you a feel in sound, at least, for what a Chuck Palahniuk concert, no performance is like. There's always a giveaway, and this time was no different. Well, except for Yours Truly. I guess I should explain.
You'll her Chuck anoint me as the "thrower of the loot," in this case, blow-up Oscars, little boxes of stuff – the usual sort of swag that Chuck insists on giving to his audience to make the whole thing a real blast. Now what Chuck does not insist on is an old Mason's hall with huge hanging lamp fixture, and a balcony. That just came with the Café du Nord.
And I came with a throwing skill so terrible, that, in my attempts to hurl swag up on the balcony, I nearly took out one of those hanging light fixtures. We got the word quickly: No more throwing, which meant that I had to run around and give stuff away. I had to look happy, like I was having fun, when I was overheating, stressed and about to be mind-bogglingly depressed by Chuck's powerful story. You don't want to know any more. Here's the link to the MP3 audio file. If you want just the story, step in about 19 minutes, but you'll a lot of good Chuck stuff. Only to find the nugget of pure misery.
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04-12-12: Commentary : Excess of Excellence : Short Story Edition
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