I survived chairing two panels at the Melbourne Writers' Festival; the first a pleasure, the second a chore. I survived wading through the books of the writers apearing on those panels, and late nights researching and taking notes so that I would be prepared for the occasion.
I survived reading Mandy Sayer's latest book - something of a chore - but loved listening to Mia Dyson's new album, in preperation for Friday's Faine show.
I survived another night of research on Thursday, and an impromptu 11:30pm visit to a new queer club, where I was revived by great tunes and an electric atmosphere.
And I survived my first appearance on The Conversation Hour with Jon Faine on 774 ABC radio - despite a fit of nerves that saw my hand shaking when I raised a glass of water to my lips.
Faine is an intimidating presence - quick witted and very sharp - but once I warmed up I quite enjoyed myself, although I was never exactly relaxed: perhaps because I was unsettled by being on the other side of the studio desk for once, instead of in control of the panel. I'd done my homework, and prepared questions for our guests designed to provoke insightful and revealing answers. It seemed to work: his producer has already said they'd like to have me back as a 'semi-regular guest co-host' on the show, which I'll look forward to.
And yesterday, walking to work through the Fitzroy Gardens, a vivid flash of emerald feathers as a lorikeet swooped past reminded me of how much beauty exists in this world.
6 comments:
I know the sigh of relief you're talking about - I had the same thing today, after chairing my last panel at the MWF (first year doing so). And I recognise the wading through many, many books in a short amount of time and staying up late preparing.
Congrats on the semi-regular Faine spot! I'm sure you did great. Somewhat of a relief to hear that you, too, suffer from the occasional nerves.
- from a former semi-regular guest on YOUR show (big fat clue: books!)
You did a great job on The Coversation Hour and it showed that you did your homework, especially with the first two guests. And Congrats on being a potential regular!
Way to go Richard. You did a great job defending blogging too. Poor Jon will be overrun with le bloggers soon...good for him!
You sounded great.
I myself made my first ABC appearance a few weeks ago.
It wasn't live thank god, and the production team were very kind in the editing room.
"..despite a fit of nerves that saw my hand shaking when I raised a glass of water to my lips." You poor thing.
Do you know whether there is a podcast of the programme Richard?
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