So what’s this piece about? What does “Jann” want?
LIPSKY:
What’s it like being the most-talked about writer in the country. That sort of thing. That sounds so -- Lipsky seems embarrassed as soon as he says the words.
17.
DAVID:
How do you learn to do this stuff?
LIPSKY:
What.
DAVID:
Interviewing. Did you go to interviewing school?
LIPSKY:
No... I, uh... A beat. Lipsky feels a tad fraudulent to identify himself as a writer to the man whose success and talent he envies.
LIPSKY:
I’m a writer.
DAVID:
Oh, yeah?
LIPSKY:
I mean I write fiction. Just published my first novel, as a matter of fact.
DAVID:
What’s it called?
LIPSKY:
The Art Fair?
David shrugs. He’s never heard of it. Lipsky feels foolish for having brought it up.
LIPSKY:
And I, uh, had a collection published, a couple of years ago.
Lipsky’s pumping leg betrays his anxiety. David notices.
DAVID:
You’re a nervous guy, aren’t you?
LIPSKY:
No no I’m okay. How are you?
DAVID:
‘Cause I’m terrified.
LIPSKY:
Are you? I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.
18.
33D INT. RESTAURANT/TABLE - BLOOMINGTON - 1996 - LATER 33D The food is decimated. David is loosening up.
DAVID:
The thing about this tour is... I would like to get laid out of it a couple of times, but... Like, people come up, they kinda slither up during readings or whatever. But it seems like, what I want is not to have to take any action.
LIPSKY:
Like...?
DAVID:
Like, I don’t want to have to say, “Would you like to come back to my hotel?” I want them to say, “I am coming back to the hotel. Where is your hotel?” Lipsky laughs.
DAVID:
I can’t stand to look like I’m actively trading on this sexually.
