Chapter 108: 108
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May 9, 2012 – Wednesday 5 pm – CT2 Studio, Central Television, White City, London
I am currently in the backstage of the 'Shawn Vaughn Show', a late-night talk show here in London. Because I am the first British author to be awarded the Outcault Prize for Fiction after twenty years, the producers of the talk show invited me. Because I'm also a fan of the show, I did not hesitate and accepted to appear as a guest. The reason why I like the show, is also the reason why I'm hyping myself up. Shawn likes to ask questions that would catch his guests off-guard or even offend them.
I was actually already awarded the prize last February but after my novel became a best seller, that was only when these TV people got interested in me. I have no grudges for these TV people however; after all, that's just how the world works.
After a listening to Shawn's monologue, I was finally called out. "Our first guest for the night; the award-winning author HELENA PADDINGTON!" I walked out to the platform to join Shawn. I also heard the enthusiastic cheer from the audience members, which I found unexpected, so I smiled and nodded at them to return the greeting.
After I took my seat at the couch, and Shawn took his at his chair, I had to force my mind to be vigilant. I have to be to not say something stupid during the interview. "I like your dress!" Shawn said as he pointed at my blue dress which a friend forced me to wear when she found out I'm going to this show. "Thank you. It's like I'm dressed up for a date." I replied.
"Ah. That's too bad, I don't prefer women." Shawn said with a swivel of his head, which the crowd chuckled at. He's gay. "Well, I just want to look good for you, Shawn. I'm a fan." I said. "Thank you." Shawn replied. That's what I like about him. Unlike other talk show hosts that would say 'I'm a fan as well', Shawn is honest.
"So. While I announced you as an award winning author, can you tell the people at home what prize you won?" Shawn asked. "It's the Outcault Prize for Fiction. An international award." I explained. "And this is special! Right? You are the first British recipient of the award since Evan Houghton for 'Greater Power'." Shawn said to me, but he's actually informing the audience. "Yes. That's right. The first British awardee in twenty two years." I clarified. I heard then an audience member clap followed by the rest of them for applause. I just nodded in response.
"How does it feel? This has to be huge, right?" Shawn asked. "Well. Yes. I never would have thought I would win this prize ever in my life, so it's an honor." I replied. Which is true. I did not write my book to win an award but just to tell a story.
"Hmm. What the viewers don't know is that you also won another international award years ago." Shawn primed. "Yes. I won the Sohlman Prize twelve years ago but because my books did not sell very well, no one aside from the literary circles appreciated my book." I said. "That's unfortunate. I hope the viewers at home will not only buy your recent book, but also your other novels." Shawn said. "I hope so too." I said, don't know what else to say.
"Anyway, I've read your book, but to the viewers who have not, can you tell us a short synopsis?" Shawn said. "My book's title is Australia. It is a story about people who had gone to Australia as tourists. When they got lost, the wild life is not only their enemy, but themselves, their emotions, and their psychological natures as well. It tells about the stories of people like a lone young man, a childless couple, and two sisters who went to the Australian wild to reconnect to each other." I said.
"I've read your book, and I have to say. It's thrilling. I reminded me that I cannot always handle things by myself, but with the help of others too. I'm not going to spoil it for the readers, but that is just one lesson I took from your book." Shawn said. "Thank you. I'm glad it gave you a lesson I intended." I said, genuinely glad. Shawn actually read my book, unlike most of the people that interviewed me.
"But. Why Australia?" Shawn asked a good question. "Well, when I was there for vacation, I noticed that Australia is a place where the modernity meets the primal savagery of nature. So I thought, about the human experience of travelling to the wild. Why would people even leave the comfort of the city to explore the dangerous wild life?" I said. "Many would out of curiosity and adventure, right?" Shawn asked.
"That's true. BUT, just like me who went there to know more about myself, I'm certain that other people went there as well not just to see the wild life. I got interested in those people and their stories." I explained without spoiling my book that much. "Hmm. Indeed. In your book, the wild life is not only an experience of the wild, but it also brings out things that we didn't know about ourselves, and that we would do things we would not even think of doing." Shawn said, supplementing my words.
"Yes. Will it make a person a hero? Will it make a person more selfish? What are we really willing to do for survival? Would we sacrifice ourselves? Or others? I explored these questions with the stories I wrote in my book." I said. Shawn shook his head while staring emptily. That is not a bad gesture. I can see the audience absorbed looking at the pondering expression of Shawn.
"What we're trying to say is, buy the book, everybody!" Shawn concluded. Our discourse about my book would never end had he not cut it short. I didn't like it to end, but to avoid spoiling too much or ramping up the viewers' expectations to my book, I'm glad we also moved on. We spent a few minutes talking about mundane stuff like where I grew up, which food I like, or
"Talking about novels. Have you heard of T.L.D Grimmauld?" Shawn asked. This is the part where Shawn talks to his guests about other things aside from the things the guests promote. His question, however, caught me off-guard. I never expected him to talk about another author. Not only any other author but the enviable Mr. Grimmauld.
"Oh. Who have not? I'm pretty sure some people here in the studio have read his books, right?" I asked. I saw from the corner of my eyes some audience members nodding to themselves. "I have. By any chance, have you met him, or her?" Shawn asked. I almost scoffed at this. Many people tried to look for the author. I too tried to solve the mystery of his identity. I even think that T.L.D Grimmauld is actually not a single author but a group of them. There's no way one man can make 'Middle Earth' by himself.
"It's 'him'. From what I heard, he is an author from Teungeb. But, no. I have not met him. I would love to meet him someday, however." I said, which is true. I want to talk to him or them about their writing process. "What about his work?" Shawn asked.
"Hmm. I am amazed at how he was able to transport us to another world in his novel. The races, the culture, the societies are so detailed; I can't imagine how much effort he put into making them, or the creativity it even took. I could only say that his novel was fueled by imagination." I told Shawn my opinion. "That is true. I would love to see it in a film. Do you think he deserves an award?" Shawn said. I did not like the question. I don't know if Shawn did it intentionally, but it is a trap. I decided to tread carefully.
"Honestly, I don't know. His book is the first of its own kind and there's nothing else like it to compare it to. Saying that, I don't think his book will suit to any existing award. Most fiction awards would talk about the human experience, people's trauma and happiness. Grimmauld did not go deep into that in his novel." I said. From the criteria of any award right now, 'The Halfling' does not meet them.
"So you're not saying he does not deserve an award, but if he competes, he cannot win anyway?" Shawn asked. "Yes. However, I would think of his work as the definition of a pioneer. If I try to write a novel about a fantastical world of different races and cultures, I don't think it will even compare to Mr. Grimmauld's 'The Halfling'. Look, in exchange for the depth of the emotions of the characters that fiction should have, Mr. Grimmauld used that depth in making his novel's world." I replied.
"Aha. That makes sense. By the way, you said pioneer. Do you think other authors will start to write fantasy novels like the one in 'The Halfling'?" Shawn said. "Oh absolutely. It's new and it's attractive, and it offers great escapism. I too want to seek refuge from the world to a new one, even just through a book. Honestly, I'm tempted to write a fantasy tale too, but I think it will take years for me to write one. I'd rather stick with what I know." I said.
I was not being entirely honest, however. Even though I want to tell great stories that I want to tell in my writing, I would also want to be wealthy by writing to the demand of the market. Not suffering from financial pressure while writing a book would be very very nice.
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May 9, 2012 – Wednesday 5 pm – CT2 Studio, Central Television, White City, London
I am currently in the backstage of the 'Shawn Vaughn Show', a late-night talk show here in London. Because I am the first British author to be awarded the Outcault Prize for Fiction after twenty years, the producers of the talk show invited me. Because I'm also a fan of the show, I did not hesitate and accepted to appear as a guest. The reason why I like the show, is also the reason why I'm hyping myself up. Shawn likes to ask questions that would catch his guests off-guard or even offend them.
I was actually already awarded the prize last February but after my novel became a best seller, that was only when these TV people got interested in me. I have no grudges for these TV people however; after all, that's just how the world works.
After a listening to Shawn's monologue, I was finally called out. "Our first guest for the night; the award-winning author HELENA PADDINGTON!" I walked out to the platform to join Shawn. I also heard the enthusiastic cheer from the audience members, which I found unexpected, so I smiled and nodded at them to return the greeting.
After I took my seat at the couch, and Shawn took his at his chair, I had to force my mind to be vigilant. I have to be to not say something stupid during the interview. "I like your dress!" Shawn said as he pointed at my blue dress which a friend forced me to wear when she found out I'm going to this show. "Thank you. It's like I'm dressed up for a date." I replied.
"Ah. That's too bad, I don't prefer women." Shawn said with a swivel of his head, which the crowd chuckled at. He's gay. "Well, I just want to look good for you, Shawn. I'm a fan." I said. "Thank you." Shawn replied. That's what I like about him. Unlike other talk show hosts that would say 'I'm a fan as well', Shawn is honest.
"So. While I announced you as an award winning author, can you tell the people at home what prize you won?" Shawn asked. "It's the Outcault Prize for Fiction. An international award." I explained. "And this is special! Right? You are the first British recipient of the award since Evan Houghton for 'Greater Power'." Shawn said to me, but he's actually informing the audience. "Yes. That's right. The first British awardee in twenty two years." I clarified. I heard then an audience member clap followed by the rest of them for applause. I just nodded in response.
"How does it feel? This has to be huge, right?" Shawn asked. "Well. Yes. I never would have thought I would win this prize ever in my life, so it's an honor." I replied. Which is true. I did not write my book to win an award but just to tell a story.
"Hmm. What the viewers don't know is that you also won another international award years ago." Shawn primed. "Yes. I won the Sohlman Prize twelve years ago but because my books did not sell very well, no one aside from the literary circles appreciated my book." I said. "That's unfortunate. I hope the viewers at home will not only buy your recent book, but also your other novels." Shawn said. "I hope so too." I said, don't know what else to say.
"Anyway, I've read your book, but to the viewers who have not, can you tell us a short synopsis?" Shawn said. "My book's title is Australia. It is a story about people who had gone to Australia as tourists. When they got lost, the wild life is not only their enemy, but themselves, their emotions, and their psychological natures as well. It tells about the stories of people like a lone young man, a childless couple, and two sisters who went to the Australian wild to reconnect to each other." I said.
"I've read your book, and I have to say. It's thrilling. I reminded me that I cannot always handle things by myself, but with the help of others too. I'm not going to spoil it for the readers, but that is just one lesson I took from your book." Shawn said. "Thank you. I'm glad it gave you a lesson I intended." I said, genuinely glad. Shawn actually read my book, unlike most of the people that interviewed me.
"But. Why Australia?" Shawn asked a good question. "Well, when I was there for vacation, I noticed that Australia is a place where the modernity meets the primal savagery of nature. So I thought, about the human experience of travelling to the wild. Why would people even leave the comfort of the city to explore the dangerous wild life?" I said. "Many would out of curiosity and adventure, right?" Shawn asked.
"That's true. BUT, just like me who went there to know more about myself, I'm certain that other people went there as well not just to see the wild life. I got interested in those people and their stories." I explained without spoiling my book that much. "Hmm. Indeed. In your book, the wild life is not only an experience of the wild, but it also brings out things that we didn't know about ourselves, and that we would do things we would not even think of doing." Shawn said, supplementing my words.
"Yes. Will it make a person a hero? Will it make a person more selfish? What are we really willing to do for survival? Would we sacrifice ourselves? Or others? I explored these questions with the stories I wrote in my book." I said. Shawn shook his head while staring emptily. That is not a bad gesture. I can see the audience absorbed looking at the pondering expression of Shawn.
"What we're trying to say is, buy the book, everybody!" Shawn concluded. Our discourse about my book would never end had he not cut it short. I didn't like it to end, but to avoid spoiling too much or ramping up the viewers' expectations to my book, I'm glad we also moved on. We spent a few minutes talking about mundane stuff like where I grew up, which food I like, or
"Talking about novels. Have you heard of T.L.D Grimmauld?" Shawn asked. This is the part where Shawn talks to his guests about other things aside from the things the guests promote. His question, however, caught me off-guard. I never expected him to talk about another author. Not only any other author but the enviable Mr. Grimmauld.
"Oh. Who have not? I'm pretty sure some people here in the studio have read his books, right?" I asked. I saw from the corner of my eyes some audience members nodding to themselves. "I have. By any chance, have you met him, or her?" Shawn asked. I almost scoffed at this. Many people tried to look for the author. I too tried to solve the mystery of his identity. I even think that T.L.D Grimmauld is actually not a single author but a group of them. There's no way one man can make 'Middle Earth' by himself.
"It's 'him'. From what I heard, he is an author from Teungeb. But, no. I have not met him. I would love to meet him someday, however." I said, which is true. I want to talk to him or them about their writing process. "What about his work?" Shawn asked.
"Hmm. I am amazed at how he was able to transport us to another world in his novel. The races, the culture, the societies are so detailed; I can't imagine how much effort he put into making them, or the creativity it even took. I could only say that his novel was fueled by imagination." I told Shawn my opinion. "That is true. I would love to see it in a film. Do you think he deserves an award?" Shawn said. I did not like the question. I don't know if Shawn did it intentionally, but it is a trap. I decided to tread carefully.
"Honestly, I don't know. His book is the first of its own kind and there's nothing else like it to compare it to. Saying that, I don't think his book will suit to any existing award. Most fiction awards would talk about the human experience, people's trauma and happiness. Grimmauld did not go deep into that in his novel." I said. From the criteria of any award right now, 'The Halfling' does not meet them.
"So you're not saying he does not deserve an award, but if he competes, he cannot win anyway?" Shawn asked. "Yes. However, I would think of his work as the definition of a pioneer. If I try to write a novel about a fantastical world of different races and cultures, I don't think it will even compare to Mr. Grimmauld's 'The Halfling'. Look, in exchange for the depth of the emotions of the characters that fiction should have, Mr. Grimmauld used that depth in making his novel's world." I replied.
"Aha. That makes sense. By the way, you said pioneer. Do you think other authors will start to write fantasy novels like the one in 'The Halfling'?" Shawn said. "Oh absolutely. It's new and it's attractive, and it offers great escapism. I too want to seek refuge from the world to a new one, even just through a book. Honestly, I'm tempted to write a fantasy tale too, but I think it will take years for me to write one. I'd rather stick with what I know." I said.
I was not being entirely honest, however. Even though I want to tell great stories that I want to tell in my writing, I would also want to be wealthy by writing to the demand of the market. Not suffering from financial pressure while writing a book would be very very nice.
May 9, 2012 Wednesday 5 pm CT2 Studio, Central Television, White City, London I am currently in the backstage of the 'Shawn Vaughn Show', a late-night talk show here in London. Because I am the first British author to be awarded the Outcault Prize for Fiction after twenty years, the producers of the talk show invited me. Because I'm also a fan of the show, I did not hesitate and accepted to appear as a guest. The reason why I like the show, is also the reason why I'm hyping myself up. Shawn likes to ask questions that would catch his guests off-guard or even offend them. I was actually already awarded the prize last February but after my novel became a best seller, that was only when these TV people got interested in me. I have no grudges for these TV people however; after all, that's just how the world works. After a listening to Shawn's monologue, I was finally called out. "Our first guest for the night; the award-winning author HELENA PADDINGTON!" I walked out to the platform to join Shawn. I also heard the enthusiastic cheer from the audience members, which I found unexpected, so I smiled and nodded at them to return the greeting. After I took my seat at the couch, and Shawn took his at his chair, I had to force my mind to be vigilant. I have to be to not say something stupid during the interview. "I like your dress!" Shawn said as he pointed at my blue dress which a friend forced me to wear when she found out I'm going to this show. "Thank you. It's like I'm dressed up for a date." I replied. "Ah. That's too bad, I don't prefer women." Shawn said with a swivel of his head, which the crowd chuckled at. He's gay. "Well, I just want to look good for you, Shawn. I'm a fan." I said. "Thank you." Shawn replied. That's what I like about him. Unlike other talk show hosts that would say 'I'm a fan as well', Shawn is honest. "So. While I announced you as an award winning author, can you tell the people at home what prize you won?" Shawn asked. "It's the Outcault Prize for Fiction. An international award." I explained. "And this is special! Right? You are the first British recipient of the award since Evan Houghton for 'Greater Power'." Shawn said to me, but he's actually informing the audience. "Yes. That's right. The first British awardee in twenty two years." I clarified. I heard then an audience member clap followed by the rest of them for applause. I just nodded in response. "How does it feel? This has to be huge, right?" Shawn asked. "Well. Yes. I never would have thought I would win this prize ever in my life, so it's an honor." I replied. Which is true. I did not write my book to win an award but just to tell a story. "Hmm. What the viewers don't know is that you also won another international award years ago." Shawn primed. "Yes. I won the Sohlman Prize twelve years ago but because my books did not sell very well, no one aside from the literary circles appreciated my book." I said. "That's unfortunate. I hope the viewers at home will not only buy your recent book, but also your other novels." Shawn said. "I hope so too." I said, don't know what else to say. "Anyway, I've read your book, but to the viewers who have not, can you tell us a short synopsis?" Shawn said. "My book's title is Australia. It is a story about people who had gone to Australia as tourists. When they got lost, the wild life is not only their enemy, but themselves, their emotions, and their psychological natures as well. It tells about the stories of people like a lone young man, a childless couple, and two sisters who went to the Australian wild to reconnect to each other." I said. "I've read your book, and I have to say. It's thrilling. I reminded me that I cannot always handle things by myself, but with the help of others too. I'm not going to spoil it for the readers, but that is just one lesson I took from your book." Shawn said. "Thank you. I'm glad it gave you a lesson I intended." I said, genuinely glad. Shawn actually read my book, unlike most of the people that interviewed me. "But. Why Australia?" Shawn asked a good question. "Well, when I was there for vacation, I noticed that Australia is a place where the modernity meets the primal savagery of nature. So I thought, about the human experience of travelling to the wild. Why would people even leave the comfort of the city to explore the dangerous wild life?" I said. "Many would out of curiosity and adventure, right?" Shawn asked. "That's true. BUT, just like me who went there to know more about myself, I'm certain that other people went there as well not just to see the wild life. I got interested in those people and their stories." I explained without spoiling my book that much. "Hmm. Indeed. In your book, the wild life is not only an experience of the wild, but it also brings out things that we didn't know about ourselves, and that we would do things we would not even think of doing." Shawn said, supplementing my words. "Yes. Will it make a person a hero? Will it make a person more selfish? What are we really willing to do for survival? Would we sacrifice ourselves? Or others? I explored these questions with the stories I wrote in my book." I said. Shawn shook his head while staring emptily. That is not a bad gesture. I can see the audience absorbed looking at the pondering expression of Shawn. "What we're trying to say is, buy the book, everybody!" Shawn concluded. Our discourse about my book would never end had he not cut it short. I didn't like it to end, but to avoid spoiling too much or ramping up the viewers' expectations to my book, I'm glad we also moved on. We spent a few minutes talking about mundane stuff like where I grew up, which food I like, or "Talking about novels. Have you heard of T.L.D Grimmauld?" Shawn asked. This is the part where Shawn talks to his guests about other things aside from the things the guests promote. His question, however, caught me off-guard. I never expected him to talk about another author. Not only any other author but the enviable Mr. Grimmauld. "Oh. Who have not? I'm pretty sure some people here in the studio have read his books, right?" I asked. I saw from the corner of my eyes some audience members nodding to themselves. "I have. By any chance, have you met him, or her?" Shawn asked. I almost scoffed at this. Many people tried to look for the author. I too tried to solve the mystery of his identity. I even think that T.L.D Grimmauld is actually not a single author but a group of them. There's no way one man can make 'Middle Earth' by himself. "It's 'him'. From what I heard, he is an author from Teungeb. But, no. I have not met him. I would love to meet him someday, however." I said, which is true. I want to talk to him or them about their writing process. "What about his work?" Shawn asked. "Hmm. I am amazed at how he was able to transport us to another world in his novel. The races, the culture, the societies are so detailed; I can't imagine how much effort he put into making them, or the creativity it even took. I could only say that his novel was fueled by imagination." I told Shawn my opinion. "That is true. I would love to see it in a film. Do you think he deserves an award?" Shawn said. I did not like the question. I don't know if Shawn did it intentionally, but it is a trap. I decided to tread carefully. "Honestly, I don't know. His book is the first of its own kind and there's nothing else like it to compare it to. Saying that, I don't think his book will suit to any existing award. Most fiction awards would talk about the human experience, people's trauma and happiness. Grimmauld did not go deep into that in his novel." I said. From the criteria of any award right now, 'The Halfling' does not meet them. "So you're not saying he does not deserve an award, but if he competes, he cannot win anyway?" Shawn asked. "Yes. However, I would think of his work as the definition of a pioneer. If I try to write a novel about a fantastical world of different races and cultures, I don't think it will even compare to Mr. Grimmauld's 'The Halfling'. Look, in exchange for the depth of the emotions of the characters that fiction should have, Mr. Grimmauld used that depth in making his novel's world." I replied. "Aha. That makes sense. By the way, you said pioneer. Do you think other authors will start to write fantasy novels like the one in 'The Halfling'?" Shawn said. "Oh absolutely. It's new and it's attractive, and it offers great escapism. I too want to seek refuge from the world to a new one, even just through a book. Honestly, I'm tempted to write a fantasy tale too, but I think it will take years for me to write one. I'd rather stick with what I know." I said. I was not being entirely honest, however. Even though I want to tell great stories that I want to tell in my writing, I would also want to be wealthy by writing to the demand of the market. Not suffering from financial pressure while writing a book would be very very nice.
