Give Me an N, Give Me a P, Give Me an R

See that face? That is the face of someone who is so relieved to be done with whatever is going on in that sound booth that she doesn't even care how unflattering the photo is.

I'm still recovering from my NPR taping earlier this week. Oh, did I not mention that to you? That's because I was convinced that any mention of it beforehand would jinx it, and you can't jinx your one opportunity to be on NPR. Specifically, All Things Considered with Melissa Gray. But then I realized that by not jinxing it, I would actually have to show up and somehow force some audible words out of my mouth, coherent or not, which would then be broadcast through invisible airwaves to millions of people. By that point, I was so paralyzed with fear that I couldn't even jinx it on purpose.

How did it go, you ask? It went okay if you consider that the technology exists to edit out all of my nervous giggling and the six extra takes it took for me to introduce myself in an NPR-acceptable fashion. You know, in complete sentences and such. One conversation through the headphones went something like this:

Her: You seem a little tense.

Me: Who me? Tense? I don't know what you're talking about, Melissa Gray.

Her: Why don't you try saying it with a smile.

Me: A what?

It's clear that somebody could benefit from a little media training. I can only hope that they edit the crap out of me until I end up sounding like some sort of fabulous culinary siren. I'm counting on it, NPR. Bring the sound editor some extra caffeinated beverages—it's going to be a long night! (The segment is slated to air sometime before Thanksgiving.)

UPDATE: Click here to listen to the NPR interview.

In other news, just a reminder that Waltham Fields is having their annual harvest potluck today 11/7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. I'll be speaking briefly toward the end and signing books. I've already had enough terror for one week, so I should be nice and relaxed. If you're local and would like to come, it's free and open to the public. Just bring a dish to share and come on down to the greenhouse! More details here.

 

Comments

[Kathy]

You are a superstar and I am sure you were great!

[Jilly]

During my first radio interview I had a panic attack. I could see the host's lips moving, but all I could hear was a roaring in my head that accompanied the pretty, little, sparkly stars in my peripheral vision.

[cindy]

Awesome!