Special Guest, Aussie Author Anthony J. Langford

                                                                                                  

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce my good friend, Australian Author Anthony J. Langford.

Men at Work’s "Land Down Under" blasts the stage, as Anthony strolls out with a wave and smile. Anthony and Robyn exchange a warm hug. She signals for the music to stop.

Robyn: Welcome, Anthony! Thanks for making the trip. She motions towards a pair of chocolate brown recliners, and both are seated. Say, is Oprah still in Australia?

Anthony: No, darlin'. She taped her finale there in 2010, but Aussies are still going wild. So it’s great to be away from the commotion. Thanks so much for the invite.

Robyn: My pleasure. You’ve soared since we met a few years ago in that sketchy place, the Blogger Coffee Shop. Now, you’re a family man with a precious toddler. Plus, you’ve been published. I love your book, by the way. I’m not just saying that. Robyn pushes her opened purse towards Anthony, and he readily stuffs it with Australian chocolates. She drops her bag, wipes saliva off her chin, and continues. Your novella, Bottomless River, spans relevant topics like alcoholism, teen turmoil, and dating violence. You write with such humanness, Anthony. It’s a wonderful read that leaves a lasting impression.

Anthony: Glad to hear it. I want people to feel something, like I want to when I read. Flowery prose doesn’t interest me. Just give me believable characters. They don’t have to be likable, as long as they’re real. And the feedback I’m getting has been fantastic so something must be going right. People have told me that they’ve cried, which is amazing when you consider how short the book is. Just goes to prove it’s not about length.

Robyn: It’s not? Robyn looks confused. Well, I do like that yours is so short. Turning red: I mean, your book is short, only 58 pages.

Anthony, wiping his brow and exhaling a sigh of relief: Yes, in fact most people who purchased Bottomless River have read it within the first week or first day. We’re all so time-strapped, thanks to demands we’ve placed on ourselves with the internet, that we’re just not reading that much anymore and we’re losing the younger generation. I have teenage step kids and I see them and their friends obsessed with technology but seemingly frightened to death of books. Novellas were once more popular. I think they’re prime for a comeback.

Robyn: Any messages for those of us (clearing throat, pointing at self) who want to publish a book someday? As you know, I’m a big fan. You’re a funny, talented woman. Blushing, Robyn reaches into her purse, breaks off a smidgen of chocolate and offers it to Anthony. He shakes his head “no” and continues, composed. Just keep working at your craft. Don’t sell yourself short by rushing to get published. Once you’re rejected by a particular company, you can’t resubmit the same work. Give yourself the best chance by being the best you can be. Even though it’s a frustrating even depressing business, the key is not to give up.

Robyn: Yes, perseverance got you there. And your main character doesn’t give up on a quest for resolution. Short of giving a spoiler, I’ll say I felt relief and hope at the end, though sad to turn the final page. But we’ll be seeing more books from you, poetry and prose. For now, my friend, thank you for your time, words of wisdom, and –whispering- the stash.

Anthony: Thanks for your friendship. We’ve had many great laughs over the last few years. Best of luck and love to you Robyn, and your readers.

Robyn:  Thanks, Anthony. And thank you, audience. To the cameraman: Go ahead and roll the clip before the final credits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWY_h-Oqrmc