June 14, 2005

The first reading

The_Historian_on_sale

Michelle, Irene, and I thought we were early at 6:30. Many of the seats were already occupied, so we bought coffee and used the chairs from the Seattle's Best Coffee outlet within Borders, which were conveniently beside the front of the reading area.

The reading was also an unofficial reunion for many MFA students and faculty. Many of us hadn't seen each other for a couple of months so we were embracing, chatting, laughing. We got to chat a little with Elizabeth, and I was so thrilled that she was wearing the beaded spring green tunic I bought her from Little India in Singapore. The star of the night wearing something you bought her? Wow.

elizabeth_signing

She was extremely collected (the most "together" person I know) when she began reading. A measured pace; clear, bright enunciation; wonderful expression. She's a perfect storyteller. She handled the question-and-answer session very well too. She could hear every question, even the ones which I found inaudible, and answered each one confidently. I kept thinking...when I grow up, I want to be just like Elizabeth. Sad thing is that I am grown up, and I'm nowhere near the cool mother, gifted writer, disciplined scholar, or terrific person that she is.

Well, it was a success. And while everyone lined up to get their books signed, the MFA crowd continued to cheer Elizabeth on and find time to socialize.

Posted by Monoceros at June 14, 2005 11:34 PM
Comments

you will be just as marvellous, monoceros.... =C)

btw, that's a lovely green tunic!

Posted by: tiggie at June 23, 2005 4:50 AM

ps, opps without the extra "l"

Posted by: tiggie at June 23, 2005 4:52 AM

actually, I think the UK spelling is with two "l"s and US, just one.

Posted by: monoceros at June 23, 2005 9:56 AM

i never know which language i am in (really terrible)

in any case, i'll keep the extra 'l' following the British English... so that you can be doubly-'l' marvellous! =C)

Posted by: tiggie at June 23, 2005 11:03 AM

she was very very composed for a first timer, but then i suppose after the rigours of your program, the wide eyed audience isn't so bad.

#2 on one of the bestsellers lists i saw in usa today.

Posted by: noob at June 24, 2005 9:54 PM

Here's a titbit - she had media training (interviews, radio shows, camera stuff, readings etc.). But she's always been a cool and composed person.

Posted by: monoceros at June 28, 2005 12:09 AM