VOICE Graduate Reading Series
Oct 21, 2010 | 7:30 pm | Krannert Art Museum
The questions are simple. The answers are honest/snarky/awesome/nervous/humble/cocky. Read on for all the reasons you need to check out the VOICE reading this Thursday.
Laura Adamczyk
Where are you from and what’s it famous for (besides you)?
I’m from Wilmington, Illinois, a small town about 100 miles north of here. Its minor claim to fame is the Gemini Giant, a 30-foot fiberglass statue of an astronaut. It stands outside of a space-themed burger joint called the Launching Pad. Every few years, someone steals his rocket. Did I mention that it’s a small town?
If you could steal a famous book and pass it off as your own work, what would you pick?
2666 by Roberto Bolaño
Best place in C-U to pretend that you’re writing and/or stir the creative juices?
I’ve become a more solitary writer here, so right now, I do all my pretend and actual writing in my apartment; though sometimes I’ll take a walk to the Champaign Public Library and pretend to work there, too.
What’s influencing your work these days?
Memory, chastity, alcohol.
What should we be on the lookout for when you read for VOICE?
A hidden flask.
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Eduardo Gabrieloff
Where are you from and what’s it famous for (besides you)?
I was born in Cali, Colombia, famous for beautiful women and some lame cartel. Also, I’m from Colorado Springs, where Elvira was born and raised, and from Crested Butte, where the Disney Movie that everyone forgot (besides Song of the South) Snowball Express was filmed. Most recently, I lived in Chicago, which I’m pretty sure isn’t famous for anything.
If you could steal famous book and pass it off as your own work, what would you pick?
Even though I write poetry, I’d still love to have written The Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin.
Best place in C-U to pretend that you’re writing and/or stir the creative juices?
I love sitting in the main stacks at the U of I library. I feel like I could stay there for years without being discovered. Sadly, most of my writing from when I go there involves murder. Murder most foul.
What’s influencing your work these days?
My baby, my thrown out back, and Voytek, the soldier bear that helped the Polish take Monte Casino during World War 2.
What should we be on the lookout for when you read for VOICE?
I like to read for way longer than my audience hopes for, but I just want to make sure they don’t miss out on my brilliance. Also, I’ll probably say a word or two in Spanish. People who can translate what I say will receive money.
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Baron Haber
Where are you from and what’s it famous for (besides you)?
I’m from Tucson, and it’s famous mainly for actors reenacting scenes from the old west, and sahuaro cacti, which I must confess I miss sometimes.
If you could steal famous book and pass it off as your own work, what would you pick?
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, though I must confess (shamefully) I have only read it in translation, so maybe I would pass myself off as the translator of One Hundred Years. I love the vigorous storytelling of Marquez and the complete disregard for the rules of reality.
Best place in C-U to pretend that you’re writing and/or stir the creative juices?
Been loving the Champaign Public Library — it’s a beautiful building, and there’s always a lot of kids there reading, which gives me hope.
What’s influencing your work these days?
The words of my classmates. We’ve got a really smart crew here in the MFA program, and I feel like I learn something every time I read a new story of theirs.
What should we be on the lookout for when you read for VOICE?
I’m going to read the shortest piece I’ve ever written — which is still like seven pages. Wish me luck.