Partners in life and literature

Local authors and married couple William and Susan Kinsolving, each with a new book, gave a book talk at the Scoville Library in Salisbury on May 15.

William Kinsolving, an author of five novels, is also a screenwriter, a Ford Foundation Playwriting Grant recipient, and a critically acclaimed actor and director.His new novel, “Dangerous Times,” delves into the antebellum South, drawing sharp parallels to today’s divided world and shedding light on enduring truths from then and now. Susan Kinsolving’s novel, “The Head’s Tail,” is a witty, irreverent romp through the messy world of prep school drama. It is sharp, funny, and thoroughly entertaining.

Susan is the author of four poetry collections, one of which, “Dailies & Rushes,” was a finalist for The National Book Critics Circle Award. She has taught locally at the Hotchkiss School, as well as at colleges, universities, and a men’s prison.

The evening began with readings from both authors’ books.The Kinsolvings’ cousin, Katy Kinsolving, read Susan’s excerpt.Laughter erupted as the reading progressed and the protagonist, Miranda, embroiled herself further and further into a situation filled with “carnal danger.”

William brought his book to life with a vivid reading, voicing each character with distinct accents and drawing the audience into the antebellum era. Through his performance, the audience was introduced to his character William Fairfield, aide to a senator, who meets President Zachary Taylor.This meeting brings forth issues of the day, including slavery and the deep divisions of the country.

A question-and-answer period followed the reading where the Kinsolvings were asked about their work habits.

Susan answered that William is the disciplined one.William explained, “I go downstairs to my office and shut the door. I don’t hear anything.”He works for six to seven hours a day.

Susan admitted she was more disciplined in writing her novel than when she writes poetry.When writing poems, she takes breaks feeling they “are benefitted by absence.” In contrast, “Prose is not benefitted by absence,” and requires a more consistent schedule.

She added, “When I finally finished “The Head’s Tale,” I really missed my characters” and so, she began another novel, which takes place in the 1960’s.

William is at work on the next book in the series of which “Dangerous Times” is the first.It will deal with the time period of 1851-1856 and “James Buchanan, the second worst president of the United States.”