Almanac Literary: Adelaide Writers’ Week 2024 – Richard Ford: an invitation
Richard Ford at Adelaide Writers’ Week 2024
Richard Ford is one of America’s most preeminent and awarded authors, best known both for his short stories and his novels, especially the Frank Bascombe series of books, and in particular, ‘The Sportswriter’. One Frank Bascombe book, ‘Independence Day’ won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Richard Ford in 1996.
As a major drawcard at this year’s Adelaide Writers’ Week, both of Richard’s sessions were filled to capacity with eager fans and received enthusiastic responses from the participating audiences.
Earlier, on the morning before his second session, I browsed through the books available for purchase in the book tent to consider any prospective purchases. Having read many of Ford’s books one I had not read jumped out at me from the many titles on the display table. It was ‘Rock Springs’, his first collection of short stories. I decided to buy it.
Richard Ford book signing at Adelaide Writers’ Week 2024
After Richard’s session I joined the long queue to have my book signed by him. During his talk, he referred to his upbringing in ‘shitty’ Jackson, Mississippi. While signing my book I mentioned I understood his feelings for his home town from those I ascertained during my brief visit to Jackson a few years back.
Richard stared at me in surprise. Someone at that very moment in Adelaide, whose book he was signing, had actually been to, and experienced Jackson, and understood those feelings he expressed in his talk. We were both on the same page with our mutual understandings of Jackson.
As I explained to him I had visited America a number of times for JazzFest in New Orleans, those brilliant blue eyes Richard is renowned for sparkled brightly and lit up his face.
When I told him I would be again in New Orleans for this year’s JazzFest his face broke into a broad friendly smile as he leaned forward in his chair, looked me straight in the eyes and exclaimed admiringly, “The Rolling Stones, … you’ll be there for the Stones!!!” “Boy oh boy … fantastic!!!”
That Richard is a huge fan of Mick and the boys I was left in no doubt of.
Richard eased himself back into his chair, reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and withdrew his wallet, opened it, then handed me his personal card containing his New Orleans address and personal contact details. At the same time he asked me to please come and visit him while I was in New Orleans during JazzFest.
“I mean it”, he said quietly, and persuasively.
Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather when Richard said that!
I was wearing my Lorne Pier to Pub t/shirt and he was intrigued by the fact I participated in ocean swims and we chatted briefly about the sport.
We shook a firm handshake and I made way for the next person in line to have their book signed.
This offer from one of the most esteemed authors in the world, to visit him at his home in New Orleans was, to be honest, overwhelming, and quite unbelievable, I needed to sit down and take it all in.
Finding some shade under one of the many magnificent trees that provide shelter from the sweltering sun I examined Richard’s card, turning it over in my hand checking out the details contained on both sides and unsurprisingly, many questions rapidly formed in my mind.
I wondered, why me? Had invitations been offered beforehand to others as they stood in line for their book to be signed?
Did he see something in me that appealed to him for whatever reason?
Richard Ford must have sat at hundreds of similar tables over his long and distinguished career and signed thousands of books for his fans and well wishers, who stood, like me, in a long line waiting to have our book signed, but how many received an offer such as the one he offered me?
Whatever the reason was for his invitation I was intrigued by it. It’s not everyday a famous author invites you to visit him at home in New Orleans. This made me feel very special indeed.
I was in no doubt the invitation was sincere, I felt the handshake we exchanged clearly emphasised this.
The question now is, will I have the courage to take up his wonderful offer?
The signed book and the card
All photographs Col Ritchie.
More from Col Ritchie can be read Here
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Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.
Looking forward to part 2 in New Orleans Col! Fantastic story. Cheers
Awesome Col and you bloody better take up the invitation to catch up big time !
Great to see you in little old – Adelaide!
Oh, lucky! I met Richard a couple of weeks ago at the State Library in Brisbane, after his chat with Venero Armanno – a masterpiece of quiet, understated southern courtliness, and tough Jackson and NY sly humour. In conversation, he took each point seriously, and had, at his fingertips, appropriate and telling quotations from his armoury – TS Eliot, Mark Twain, several American novelists. During question time, he looked each person in the eye, and took each question very seriously and answered it with great courtesy and in depth, noting that occasionally someone had made him consider a point he’d not thought of before à propos one of his books. He seemed delighted that his audience was au fait with so many of his works. He is the bomb! He signed my book – short stories, Let me be Frank with you – and chatted amiably and delightfully for some time, without hurrying me on. A real delight to meet in person.
During the talk, his description of the third time he’d been to Mount Rushmore to research his latest novel, Be Mine — ‘I actually hate the place!’ — and finding Trump there, was a delight. “I stood there and watched him as he eyed off that famous rock with those four presidents’ faces, and thought to himself, ‘Which one will I totally efface?'” Or more likely, perhaps he’ll tear them all down to put his ugly mug up there instead.” …
Please do take him up on his offer and let us know how it went!
Cheers
Jane
DO IT !!!!!!
You have absolutely nothing to lose by contacting him, Col.
Man, Mickey Randall will be jealous !!
Smokie, Col doesn’t know it yet but I’m now his BFF and will be accompanying him to New Orleans. Excellent news for all concerned!
Lovely story Col and opportunity.
You know it makes sense Col
Col- that’s superb. I eagerly await your recount (don’t wear a Bombers t-shirt to dinner!). What a trip that’ll be.
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” (MLK). I’m a great believer in synchronicity Col, and I believe the universe is conspiring to reward you for those thousand kindnesses you have Almanackers and others through your life.
Deserved. Enjoy.
Magnificent.
Thanks for sharing this, Col.
I’m both shocked and somehow not surprised.
Outstanding Col. Don’t over think it. The invitation was made and you should accept it. Just call when you get there and say G’day I’m Col from Adelaide!