The Work Room Interview: Rae Dubow on Giving Authentic Readings

Interview by Kate Mabus

Kate Mabus: Why is giving a good reading important for a writer?

Rae Dubow: A good reading is important because it allows the audience to experience a story in its author’s voice. This can lead to many things, beginning with good word of mouth. Bookstore employees, for instance, may recommend your work to patrons. Friends may tell their friends. And then, there’s Zoom, which can widen your audience beyond the borders of the local bookstore. It can optimize the selling of your book.

KM: Tell us about your most wild reading experience.

RD: I don’t know that I can speak to the most wild reading experience, but I can speak to one of my pet peeves-poet voice. You want the performance to support and present the material, and not the other way around. It’s important to let the words, rather than the rhythm, be your guide.

KM: Where does authenticity fit into this age that increasingly requires self promotion and big personality?

RD: Authenticity is essential for a good reading. Yes, this is an age of self-promotion, but real life is not social media, which means that we want more than a curated ideal. I ask my clients not to perform, not to play a part. Rather, I encourage them to have a conversation with the audience, behaving as they do out in the world.

KM: Who are your favorite authors to watch give readings?

RD: David Sedaris did the best reading I have ever seen. His work lends itself to performance and he is a very strong and voicy performer. Having said that, I don’t encourage clients to be David Sedaris. He already exists. When we come to see you, we want to see you.

KM: It helps to picture your audience naked - true or false? What’s the psychology behind that?

RD: I think one of the worst pieces of advice is: “Picture your audience naked.” Yikes. I’d run screaming off the stage if I saw a naked group of people. See them as they are. Usually, readings are frequented by family and friends. You’d be hard pressed to find a better audience. Also, I don’t particularly want to see my friends and family naked. It’s very awkward.