So I learnt something this week: doing a reading with a hangover is not easy. Still, for you, dear reader, I struggled through the toxic fatigue and misery (it was actually a very, very mild hangover–I’m older and wiser and drink less when excited these days because I know, I finally get it, that there is a tomorrow, and actions have consequences).
So here is an 8-minute chunk of Always, in which Aud goes to Kick’s house hoping to be forgiven after a quarrel. Enjoy.
http://www.nicolagriffith.com/audio/player.swf
This reading got me into a lot of trouble at a suburban Borders, when a seven-year-old child wandered from the cafe into the reading and stood picking his nose as I approached the, ah, climactic scene. I had to edit in my head as I read. It was…interesting. The community liaison manager was unhappy. It was a tedious evening–hiss and crackle of espresso machines, announcements over the PA, people coming and going through the main entrance (right by the reading area). I don’t think I’ll accept anymore invitations to chain store events.
Nicola Griffith 
I am now prepared to go out and find some attractive woman to argue with to see if this works. The words are so evocative that I had to shake myself back int consciousness at the end. Have I said I consider you one of the best writers I know? Consider it said, and thanks. The reading made my Friday worthwhile.
First: Wow. I just went and spammed half of my Facebook contacts with a link to this Friday audio. It’s H.O.T. Next: your very-mild-hangover voice is very sexy—as if the piece alone wasn’t already sending us into total erotic overdrive. By this, I’m not saying you should endure toxic fatigue and misery more often. I like your other readings, too. It’s just interesting to hear the subtle changes your voice reflects under that state. Thanks for this. :-D
P:s: Have you ever read anything by Lisa Alther? She is the only one I have read who handles electromagnetism between women any where near as well as you do.
barbara, thank you. Let me know how that strategy works out for you :) And, yes, I’ve read a couple of Alther’s books: <>Kinflicks<> (which was a huge hit in the 70s; all the dykes I knew read it) and <>Five Minutes in Heaven<>.karina, well, I just felt tired–but I’ll definitely take the compliment. Thank you.