Not long ago, I gave a talk at a local library. The first attendees to arrive were this thirtyish Chinese couple, and they sheepishly looked around the room, not sure they were in the right place. I welcomed them, and they sat in the front row, and the husband immediately started barraging me with questions; about the book, writing in general, etc. During the talk, I noticed he was translating certain words to his wife; presumably, her command of English not as good as his.
I've started giving raffle tickets at these events; the prize, of course, a signed copy of "Ark"!
After the talk was over, the drawing was held, and the Chinese man won. I gladly signed the book, addressed to he and his wife. Out of curiosity, I asked him,
"What made you come tonight?"
His answer was a refreshing cross cultural one.
"We are trying to improve our English, and what better way than to come hear an expert, a WRITER?"
I was floored and flattered, but the economy of his answer began to make sense. I pointed out to him that "Ark" was an easy read, and ideal for an English as a Second Language student.
The librarian agreed, and would recommend my book to the ESL librarian for her students.
I began thinking about the ESL market!
No comments:
Post a Comment