As I mentioned during my last few days in Kailua (yes, I'm back, painfully so), I was toying with the idea of reading mostly Irish and Scottish works during the next six months in an attempt to steep myself more fully in Irish and Scottish society before I visit both countries in September. I realize that such a plan is not foolproof. In fact, it is a little nuts.
As I look at the right sidebar of upcoming author readings in Los Angeles over the next few months, I'm acutely aware of how busy I will be trying to read all the books, attend all the readings and somehow manage to report back on them all in a timely manner. That would be enough, wouldn't it? Add in my own writing and, well, that's plenty. One would think.
However, after some consideration and re-consideration, I still think it's a fantastic idea. If I'm ever going to make any progress, I'm going to need to approach this thing head-on, as if I'm getting paid for it. So, my gentle plea becomes serious. My lightly phrased request for "what do you think" and "where shall I begin?" must be re-stated, far more firmly. We have one McGahern request in. What else? Who else? In what order? Who/what is a must and who/what is a nice to have but not a requirement?
Where do I start? I want names & I want titles. Now. (Or will this be like poetry week in which we all must reveal we haven't widely read Irish and Scottish writers? If so, let me know that too. No worries - you won't have to suffer through Irish Writer week if that's the case!)
