Here is another reading from Stay (about 6:20). Aud has just got back from New York, where she nearly died. We join her in the North Carolina woods: naked, covered in blood, and not sure she likes herself much. Enjoy.
http://www.nicolagriffith.com/audio/player.swf
After this I have one more Stay reading (but it’s a long, juicy one–where Aud does lots of lovely damage to Bad Guys, yay!) then perhaps I’ll record another hypnagogic. And of course there’s that snippet of “Touching Fire” I promised Karina. Other readings I’m contemplating recording for the first time: something from Always, and Slow River, and Ammonite. I have my favourite pieces, of course, but does anyone have any requests for specific passages?
Me! I always wanted to hear someone tell me the story that goes, “Once upon a time, if there was such a time, the world was different. It was round, as it now is round, and the sun rose in the east and set in the west, as now it does, but it was younger, much younger.” (page 220 on the ghostly-woman softcover edition of <>Ammonite<>)I also like the passage that starts on page 152, “She woke to dark, sour quiet. Although she was too weak to move, her head was very clear. Meditation had produced no magic formula, no elegant solution to her problem.”
That made me want to reread the novel. It’s been more than five years (maybe even close to a decade) since my last full immersion into the world of <>Ammonite<>. The fact that I could recall those two passages right away is testimony to the power of your word-weaving. Oh! Mighty Author.(In case you’re curious, I have one of the latest market releases because I’ve given away at least 3 other copies. It’s reassuring to keep one of my own close by. I must be prepared for those times when I meet someone I feel like passing it on to. I like playing book godmother. You’ve noticed by now. Hm, I do wish I’d kept the very first edition, though, tacky spaceship and all. Just for kicks and nostalgia.)
karina, huh, you know, I didn’t even recognise that first passage immediatly, then I thought, oh, it’s Thenike talking! I might have to reread the damn thing myself now…
I want to write that well when I grow up. :).walks away plotting a novel.
janine, I admit, I really really liked writing those scenes.How’s the plotting coming along?
I admit the plotting is coming along slowly. I’ve realized I can’t start a story without having a character–so I’m focusing on this person in my head. I spend time asking her questions and imagining her in different locations.No ideas of plot or story…I imagine it’s just like getting to know someone. The story of their life doesn’t just pop out; it comes from knowing something about them and interacting with them. I spent many years believing I could write a novel just by being a casual observer…but I need to be really intimate with them. Honestly, it’s a great experience, but I’m slightly frustrated at the significant lack of .story. that’s happening.