John Wideman.

I wasn't sure what or how to post this. Throughout my experience I kind of just wrote down what I was thinking (almost like a stream of consciousness), so that's what I am going to type. Here goes nothing.

I wish this lady introducing this special moment wouldn't speak so rapidly and at such a low volume. I also wish I knew more of Mr. Wideman, or read a work of his. Wideman just stated that storytelling is being alive-- it's a deep telling of the human heart incompetent with itself. Wow, he's funny! And genuine, from what I see/hear. He looks SO scholarly, playing with his glasses in his suit.
     Woah. This is pretty cool. I've never really seen a big author in person before. Could you imagine if I loved his writing like I love...I don't know...J.K. Rowling's writing? This would be SICK. Awesome.
Aw, I like the advice he just gave. He pretty much just stated, "Don't short hand teaching. Find something to do that excites you. Forget about the money. Teaching is a great job." He recommends teaching. Or to write I do not think I will ever write as a career, but teaching is a possibility.
     Oh my gosh, he's reading a work in progress, this is cool! I get to hear part of a book that isn't even published yet! HA!
     While observing John Wideman and listening to him, it reminded me of the short essay we read for class, When Writers Speak. I thought it was interesting because obviously Wideman is a well-known author, and I think he's great at public speaking or speaking out loud at all, opposite of the author of When Writers Speak.
Mr. Wideman's hands seem like they're shaking, and yet his voice is so calm. His work-in-progress is both fiction and nonfiction I believe he said. While he's reading he seems as if he is reminiscing. Oh look, his hands stopped shaking...wow, he is so comfortable now. You can just tell. He's currently lost in his own writing.
Oh no, I'm getting uninterested. I'm having trouble focusing and trying hard to listen to his own writing come out as words. This is reminding me of another idea we wrote about in class-- the idea of orality verses textuality. This is cool that I get to hear the actually author read out his own work. It's awesome. However, like I said about Taylor Mali, I'd be able to appreciate the work much more if I was reading it. I see myself as more of a visual learner and I feel more comfortable capturing ideas when I see it.
Anyway, back to Wideman. Wow! Seriously, this guy is SO into his writing! It's as if he's acting it out. His facial expressions and he rhythm of his voice is emphasizing his writing. I just wish I was able to hear him better. Then I wouldn't be so distracted.
     Alright... in my opinion this passage is WAY to long to be read aloud. I've never been to one of these things before but I can legitimately see the audience losing their attention towards. He should have found an earlier spot to stop.