You would never expect to find writers reading their work on a stage where competing performers include a squawking parrot in the animal exhibit across the Expo Hall, and a scrapbook-lady teaching her class via megaphone a few booths away.
Performing on the Literary Arts stage at the San Mateo County Fair can feel a bit like being in a circus. But that didn’t stop writers from showing up to learn about an array of writing and publishing topics at the Fair in June.
Fortunately, the Literary Arts stage was set up in large, semi-walled-in area and blessed with a more than sufficient sound system. In other words, we were heard.
Playwright and author interviews
I’m happy to report success with the Fair events I was responsible for. Fifteen people attended my session on Creativity Self-Coaching for Writers. A surprisingly good turnout for 3 P.M. on a Tuesday.
Three playwrights I invited to read their 10-minute plays received enthusiastic audience applause. Afterward the authors shared practical tips and inspiring stories.
Darlene Frank interviews playwright Ollie Mae Trost Welch. Photo by Teresa LeYung-Ryan.
Most significantly, I fulfilled a dream I’ve had for a long time of interviewing authors, and on the final weekend of the Fair I interviewed three authors whose books will soon be published. I had such fun and received many compliments. I love talking with writers about their work, exploring their relationship with writing.
A video glitch means that most of the interviews are not on tape. But I’ll interview these authors again when their books are released, and we’ll consider this first experience a trial run.
Writers building community
Plenty of other authors celebrated success at the Fair. They received awards, read from their novels, and introduced the work of other artists they admire to a new audience.
Overall, the Literary Arts division provides an opportunity for writers to take creative risks, make new friends, and build community.
On Author Day (where over 20 authors signed and sold books) I talked with a two-book novelist who had never attended such an event and was excited to meet so many writers.
David Hirzel, a prolific writer whose output seems nonstop, told the audience he makes time to write every day, even if it’s in the 15 minutes before he goes to bed. His words hit home for more than a few of us. James Hanna, fiction editor of The Sand Hill Review, said he “steals time” to write.
In events spread over more than a week, writers discovered hidden talents of fellow writers, chatted about speakers, shared snacks or cameras, met other pepole’s kids. These informal moments of connection mean a lot to writers who often work in isolation and can easily feel cut off from their peers.
For more on the history and purpose of the Literary Arts division at the San Mateo County Fair, click here.
David, Teresa, Ann, Darlene, Bardi, Ollie, Ida on the Literary Arts Stage at SMC Fair 2012
David Hirzel presents “The Spirit of Tom Crean” on the Literary Arts Stage at the SMC Fair. Photo by Darlene Frank.
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Darlene Frank has written on a wide range of topics, including business writing, graphic design, personal growth, family history, and more. She coaches writers on how to move past obstacles that block creativity.
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