I'm a little irritated

For those who know me and read the headline, they might ask, "What else is new?" Ha ha. But really, something has been weighing on my mind for several days. Maybe writing about it and complaining about it will help me get over it.

So I host a little radio show, "The Weekly Reader," on a little public radio station, KMSU-FM, in Mankato. I like to chat with anyone about writing -- writers, readers, anyone who loves words. Here's how I usually choose guests: I read a book, think "This author would make a great guest," shoot off an email and voila! -- a guest is born. Ninety-nine percent of everyone I contact is more than willing to do the show. In fact, until recently, I could probably say I've had 100% cooperation. What author would not be willing to say yes to someone who is willing to put them on the air and talk about their new book? I'm contacting these people out of the blue -- all they have to do is say yes, and boom -- they get a little publicity. What could be easier for them?

OK, so my show isn't the biggest show out there. I'm no Terry Gross. But if even a few people hear about your book, isn't that a good thing? Most people would say yes. I'm up front with everyone I contact -- I admit this is a small show in a small market. But no one has turned me down. I've had my fair share of local and state authors, but also a few national guests whom I consider to be big names. Susan Orlean was on my show. As was David Paterson, screenwriter for "Bridge to Terabithia" and son of author Katherine Paterson. Ariel Gore. New York Times notable author Danielle Trussoni. No one forced them to go on a small-market show, but they all said yes.

So a couple of weeks ago, I contact an author of a memoir that's doing pretty well. They've received some good attention from national markets. I love memoir, it sounded like a great story, so I offered to get them on the air.

Here's what I get in reply: "Thanks, but no thanks. We're taking a break from interviewing right now."

What???? Excuse me??? I just offered you 25 minutes of devoted, selfish attention to your book, and you're saying no? I can understand burn-out, and I can understand that doing publicity for a book can be grueling and not fun at times. But in my mind, if I had a book, I would not turn down ONE opportunity to tell people about it. I guess the thing that gets me is that I'm seeing updates from said author, and it's clear they're not taking a break! I feel a little dissed.

Oh well, at least I can take comfort in the fact that today I'm recording an interview with Pulitzer Prize nominee Susan Choi.