Writers duke it out in NYC

NICOLE NOZICK

The atmosphere is electric, the excitement palpable. For three days a year each spring, the typically sedate auditorium of Manhattan’s Hebrew Union College becomes a literary battlefield replete with swash-buckling heroes, trusty lieutenants and stalwart veterans.

Seated on one side of the room are the “contestants.” They’re a hardy bunch of wordsmiths, ranging from the rookies to the seasoned, the up-and-coming to those seeking a comeback. All sit nervously on the edge of their seats waiting their turn, chewing on cuticles and deep breathing in an effort to remain composed. These writers share at least one commonality – either they are Jewish or their subject matter is of Jewish interest.

Facing them are the “judges” – an army of Jewish book festival programmers from Jewish community centres and synagogues across North America, including this writer. Armed with notebooks, markers and colored stickers, they are a tough crowd to please. All are experienced event planners as well as discerning and critical readers on the hunt for the next best thing.

Somewhat akin to an American Idol finale, this is a literary fight to the death, where only the strongest survive. The prize – a grueling six- to 20-city flash tour of JCCs across the continent and a chance for writers to stamp their names on the literary map. The Meet the Author sessions of the annual National Jewish Book Council (JBC) conference, pit writer against writer in an aggressive ”audition,” giving writers an all-too-brief, 120-second opportunity to persuade programmers to book them. Described as “part gong show, part speed-dating” by the New York Times, “speed-dating on steroids” by many attending writers, or simply “hell on earth,” some 200 writers compete in this annual event for a chance to score big.

With more than 150 Jewish literary programs represented annually, this audience can make or break a writer. Just ask Jonathan Safran Foer, Nicole Krauss or Nathan Englander, all fledging writers in the early ’90s, among the few chosen by JBC members to tour their literary festivals in previous years. Safran Foer credits this powerful niche group with helping to launch his writing career, attributing the JBC tour for helping make him a household name. Writers from around the world vie for a spot to compete, notably British writer and 2010 Mann Booker Prize winner Howard Jacobson, who made his first foray across the pond presenting at the JBC conference in 2007, to much acclaim.

The Meet the Author sessions and JBC author tour that follows are the brainchild of New York literary champion Carolyn Hessel.

“The idea took shape in 1999,” she told the Independent. “Random House was touring Nathan Englander at the time. Together, he and I came up with an audition format. That first year, writers had four minutes to present but, as interest has grown, we’ve cut it down to two minutes to accommodate the 200-plus writers who pitch at the annual conference.”

Hessel has an uncanny ability to spot talent and has been credited for nurturing many a rising star. “Since its beginning, writer participation has grown exponentially; the JBC now books over 1,000 literary events every year,” she said.

Some writers bomb during the presentations, unable to manage the pressure. Their voices awkwardly rise in pitch, their delivery speeds up alarmingly, as the emcee mercilessly waves the 10-, five- and two-second warning flags. Others deliver in a plodding monotone, swiftly putting an end to their dream of booking a tour. A few writers rely on a slick shtick with some well-placed one-liners to stand out in the crowd.

“Hi, I’m Joy and I’ll be your transsexual for the night” began writer Joy Ladin, there to promote her autobiography, Through the Door of Life – A Jewish Journey Between Genders. Others prefer a more direct approach. “If you want to have a good program, invite me!” entreated self-help guru Deborah Riegel. Or, “Jewball is a terrific book, if I may say so myself; if you’re smart enough, you’ll book me for your festival,” challenged writer Neal Pollack.

Lisa Levine (Yoga Shalom) used her entire two minutes to get the crowd on its feet, rhythmically chanting “Om Hashem Om.” While this risky move may not necessarily translate into bookings, it certainly did get the audience talking. Not quite as much though as writer Naomi Wolf (The Beauty Myth), whose presentation about her upcoming book, VAGINA – A Cultural Exploration caused quite a stir. “I think I heard the word vagina more times in these two minutes than I have in the entire year,” one festival director was overheard saying to a colleague, vigorously fanning her reddening cheeks.

For writers, it’s an especially difficult process. Their profession is a solitary one, more suited to introspection than presentation. “I’ve spent almost five years of my life researching and writing this book,” said Jennifer Miller (The Year of the Gadfly). “Turning it into a 120-second sales pitch is almost impossible.” Moreover, no matter how good the quality and content, if a writer doesn’t impress the crowd with their delivery and presence, they have a slim chance of being invited to tour. Programmers know that a good performer, one who engages readers, will sell books, whereas an audience is often turned off from purchasing a book, no matter how good the reviews, if the writer is unable to connect and engage. Taking this into account, programmers regard the package deal with an extra critical eye.

A standard meet-and-greet, referred to by some as the “meet market,” follows each two-hour session. This shmoozefest is where writers and programmers get up close and personal over a glass of wine and some appetizers for a few minutes longer than the allotted two, giving programmers an opportunity get a feel for the real person behind the shtick. The entire process is repeated five times throughout the conference.

Entirely original and full of chutzpah, this is a fresh, daring way to promote literacy. And who better to have perfected this art than the People of the Book.

Nicole Nozick is a Vancouver freelance writer and director of the Cherie Smith JCCGV Jewish Book Festival.

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