As I've told you before, I am speaking at a high school in front of 500 or so students this Thursday about writing. I was freaking out, as you know, about what to say. Today, I figured it all out, wrote some stuff out, and found a few passages to read. I was all excited and ready, or so I thought. And then I asked just to double check about questionable content. Can I read the f-bomb on the first page of GET WELL SOON? Can I read the (still hilarious every time I read it) uber-vulgar Krispy Kreme scene in INTO THE WILD NERD YONDER? Well, I don't know. I haven't had any clear answers from the school. It's basically: some previous visiting authors have sworn, some people haven't been asked back, some people have. Some people get parent phone calls, some don't. So, since I really do need your help on this, I am going to post the questionable scene from NERD below. Just know that it is PG-13 in content, kind of pervy, definitely gross, but very funny. Keep in mind the audience is 14-18 year-olds, which seems old enough to me, but apparently may have some conservative students and/or parents. What do you think I should do???
Passage deleted for the element of surprise!
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6 comments:
I would say play it safe and don't read it. There are LOTS of funny scenes in the book and you don't want to risk alienating your audience.
This one just stood out to me, Nina, as a short scene to read. Any thoughts on a different choice? :)
Personally, I would be nervous reading it in such a large group. I think it would different if it were a creative writing course.
*but I laughed...so...
then again, I'm not a 14 year girl with nervous parents.
u have too! the best part of ur books is that it feels like a teen speaing. both those scenes sound like a teen or a kid experiance. ur books r my 1st and 3rd fav books of all time! ur a writting goddess and the world must know!
Well, from my experience I'd say at least half your audience will collapse in hysterical laughter and you'll probably lose quite a few of them....if you're not scared of possible parental hysterics (and it is a very funny scene and really showcases the characters' families) I'd put it at the end, so you can make a fast exit (-:)
I like that scene and I think high schoolers would find it hilarious. But I do agree that you would probably loose them after that. I think for HS it would be ok, but if you're worried about it, I might just tease it, like "and there's a scene that make you wonder abotu Krispy Kremes" (or something much more creative that!). I like the scenes where they are at the D&D live action tournament, but since that's towards the end, I don't know if you want to spoil it. Good luck!
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