Guess Who’s Headlining The FOLD Brampton Author Talks Series Feb 25… Morgan Campbell, That’s Who

When I give advice, I’m not just talking. And if I’m counselling you on something I’m also invested in the outcome, so I wouldn’t suggest an action I know could backfire, or urge you to do something I wouldn’t consider in the same situation.

So when I tell writers to perform their work in public, I mean it. And when I say I mean it, it’s because I would also do it.

February 25 at the Cyril Clark Theatre in Brampton, Ont., I’m walking the talk. That night, I’m headlining the FOLD Brampton Author Talk Series. Register here if you’re coming, but if you register make sure you come. Space is limited and a solid handle on the expected turnout streamlines the whole process for organizers.

I’ll spend the second half of the presentation in conversation with Greg Frankson, whom you might know as the driving force behind BlackLit Durham out here in Toronto’s eastern suburbs. But before Greg and I chop it up I’m going to perform a few pages from memoir.

Why do I use the word “perform”?

Because anybody can read. You can do it silently at home, or out loud to yourself when you find a line you think really sings. People can read my work in public in my absence, but most times the author is best positioned to perform the work the way it’s intended to sound, which is why I encourage authors to perform passages from their books as often as possible.

Yes, that guideline has exceptions.

Some authors are shy or reclusive or awkward in public, which helps explain why they became writers instead of singers or actors. I come from a family of musicians, so I don’t perform my favourite sleazy slow jams anyplace besides the karaoke bar because I recognize the ceiling on my vocal talent. To grow up with the Joneses and Campbells is to learn the difference between singing and carrying a tune.

As for acting… If I were better at it I’d likely be further ahead professionally. Assignment editors sending me on fool’s errands; colleagues trying to sneak racial microaggressions past me; bosses who can’t do anything with talented writers besides micromanage them  — they’ve all dealt with what some folks call my attitude and ego.

Those are jarring words that carry a heavy freight, much of it racial, which is why I don’t use them to describe my on-the-job personality. A more positive reading is that I’m just too honest to play along and it costs me in office settings.

Point is, whatever personality quirks have flattened my career trajectory, stage fright isn’t one of them.

If I have to slide into the play-by-play chair because my broadcast partner caught a bug, or interview somebody in my second language, or perform a few pages of my book in a room full of strangers, I’m ready.

So yes, if you’re within driving distance, come through on Feb. 25 because I’m performing instead of reading, conversing instead of lecturing, answering questions and signing books.

And it’s always an amazing time working with the team from FOLD, the week-long book nerd party that is to Brampton what TIFF is to Toronto — a tent-pole event that people plug into their calendars months in advance.

If you’re keeping score, it’s my second west-end event this month. According to my top-secret stats, that visit to Indigo Erin Mills propelled me to my most successful week since August, with sales up 900 percent compared with the last week of January.

As for the East End…

I might pop up at your local bookstore, and I’ll definitely answer if a bookseller, library, or educator calls and wants to talk collaboration.

If you don’t believe me, shoot your shot.

Don’t be shy, because you know I’m not.

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