A literature festival attendee has used an author discussion to investigate the commercial prospects of a thought he had on the train.
The question began with a generous compliment to the writer before turning sharply towards the speaker’s own unfinished manuscript, its unusual structure and the difficulties of finding somebody willing to look at it.
He asked whether writing was ultimately about courage. The author said it was often about writing.
This answer was received as both profound and disappointingly specific.
The man then explained that his proposed book occupies the space between memoir, travel and an argument with a former colleague about a spreadsheet. Its target readership is anyone who has ever felt overlooked, particularly by literary agents.
The moderator attempted to move on, but was informed that this was precisely the kind of silencing the book would address.
After the event, several attendees agreed the exchange had offered valuable insight into the creative process, chiefly the importance of maintaining control of a microphone.
The aspiring author is now considering turning the experience into a second manuscript. The working title is A Question of Courage, although he remains open to something the market might understand.
