Written by Max Dreysse – Student in American Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
On 14 July 2018, Q+ invited American author Rajesh Parameswaran to give a reading at the Philosophicum. The author read from his highly praised collection of short-stories “I Am an Executioner” before an intimate, diverse group of audience members. After the reading, Parameswaran was available for further discussion in a question-and-answer session. The audience gladly seized on the opportunity to ask numerous, thoughtful questions to which the author responded with considered answers. Every comment from the audience was appreciated, and rewarded, with a detailed, well-thought out response from the author.
On the following day, the participating Q+ students met with Rajesh Parameswaran again, this time in an even more intimate setting. Under the guidance of Christian Knöppler and Lena Krian, the students did a creative writing exercise along with the author, who enthusiastically took part. The group was comprised of just six students, and the accompanying discussion with the invited author was thus extremely personal. Rajesh Parameswaran provided the students with in-depth insight into both the craft of writing as well as the life of a successful author. After about one-and-a-half hours, the second event came to a close: happily, the words of thanks came not only from the hosts, but also from the invited author, who emphasized that he found the event to be very rewarding and productive.