Memoir Without a Net: Telling a Tale on the Radio
I’VE NEVER BEFORE TOLD A PIECE of memoir without notes, or not reading from a manuscript. At least not in public. Of course, I’ve told stories at the dinner table, in the car, and over the phone, but it was something different and utterly new when I was asked to come to the WNYC studios and relate a piece of memoir for the great PRI show, Studio 360. Sitting across a table from a producer, I was asked to just tell it. So I did. The story is about how a piece of art changed my life. Please listen in. Enjoy.
I was compelled to listen and follow the journey of this story because in the beginning you tell of your discovery of a book at Shakespear and Company in New York City.
You are right, it is a “notion” that great writers and artists are in New York, and great cities.
And somehow, when I sit in Central Park, I feel that so many of the great ghosts of artists and writers are there. A notion? Maybe. But ahhhh the ambiance in the thought of it:)
Nonetheless. you are right. Great artists truly surround us, and they create from where they are.
Cheers to you! And thank you for the inspiration.
I just listened to this piece, and I am so moved. I was also on Studio360 in September 2009 about my own Aha Moment. I was living in Brooklyn at the time, and now I live back in my home state of Maryland. I have been desperate to return to NYC, but I am not sure that I can afford to live there again. Listening to your piece has inspired me to think about moving back to Austin, TX. I lived there in 2006, and I adored it. Great art really is everywhere, and while I’ll always love NYC, I know that I can make a great life for myself wherever I am. Thank you!!
What a fabulous piece!
Hi, Mary:
And welcome to the blog. Many thanks. This is high praise, indeed. I loved the challenge of recording that piece. Studio 360 remains my very favorite radio show. It was an honor to be asked. Hope to read you here again soon.