Host Dean Olsher posits the theory that three disparate realms — the romantic, the literary, and the transit — have a remarkable tendency to collide. As evidence, he offers: an interview with romance novelist Eloisa James, a short story by Mark Strand, and the voices of New York City straphangers. Also, this month's five sounds, awaiting your authorship.
What They Were Reading
On a Saturday morning in November, from deep in Brooklyn, through a stretch of Manhattan, and then into the far reaches of Queens, here's what they were reading on the F-train...
From Bards to Bodices
Eloisa James (her pseudonym) has gained a following for her steamy romance novels, with titles like Potent Pleasures, Midnight Pleasures and Enchanting Pleasures. Her acclaim would probably come as a shock to her students and colleagues, who know her (by her real name) as a highly accomplished scholar of Renaissance literature. She talks to host Dean Olsher about the pain and pleasure of this double life. Steamy passages read by Jennifer Van Dyck. Produced by Amy Farley.
Subway Scribbler
It's not so hard to meet people in New York City. All it takes is a piece of paper, a pen, and a subway ride. To wit, here's Maureen McMurray's subway story.
True Loves
Former U.S. Poet Laureate Mark Strand is best known for his absurdist-tinged verse, but here he applies that sensibility to our topic of the week: the convergence of romance, the written word and the subway. This week, the Next Big Thing's Department of Transportation brings you this wry piece of fiction, performed by Danton Stone. Produced by Curtis Fox.
The Real Windows to the Soul
Present yourself to Isaac Feig in the Upper East Side Manhattan eyeglasses store where he works, and he will tell you who you want to be, and then hand you the glasses that can make it so. Host Dean Olsher decides to put Feig's skill to the test. Produced by Matt Lieber.
Wig
Some remember the mid- to late-Sixties as a period of political unrest, sexual liberation, drug-taking and the like. But for writer Henry Alford, that era was all about... Estelle.
Five Sounds in Search of an Author
Listen carefully!
In between these sounds is a story and it's up to you to write it. Once again, The Next Big Thing is inviting your ideas on ways to weave a plot out of seemingly unrelated sounds. Author and Next Big Thing contributor Jesse Green will choose a winner to read his or her story on our show. You'll hear the results next week. E-mail your stories by end of day on MONDAY, November 18, 2002. Please include a daytime phone number. And remember, the time it takes to read them should come close to the time it takes to hear the sounds (about 30 seconds). Good luck!
Urban (Re)Discovery
A long-defunct power station on the Hudson River overrun by plant and animal life. An abandoned iron works factory. To many, these may be blights on the landscape, but for industrial archaeologists, they are perfect sites for discovery. Independent producer Rachel Dornhelm enters these ghostly zones with guides who have dedicated their lives to urban exploration, professionally or as a hobby.
Steel Pan Guardian
Rudy King immigrated to New York from Trinidad in the 1940s, and brought with him a storehouse of knowledge about making and playing steel pan drums. Today, he continues to make drums, and plays congas with his band the Radoes. He is among this year's inductees into "The People's Hall of Fame," the creation of City Lore, to celebrate the city's lesser-known stars.
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