That’s What I Heard: Being the Complete and Contested Record of Nine Months at Governor's Left Shoulder, in a State Which Shall Remain Nameless

That's What I Heard is a satirical novella about the clash between political double-talk and unfiltered truth. Set during nine turbulent months in 2001 and 2002, the story follows Delia Vosburgh, a veteran American Sign Language interpreter assigned to the governor of an unnamed state. While the governor specializes in delivering lengthy speeches filled with meaningless jargon, ASL requires conceptual precision and direct intent. Unable to translate empty buzzwords without rendering nonsense, Delia translates what the administration actually means-delivering candid, unvarnished truths directly to deaf viewers.As an underground network of citizens begins circulating transcriptions of her blunt translations, Delia's work transforms her into a local phenomenon. Her actions draw the scrutiny of a meticulous communications aide who builds a massive file of her linguistic "deviations," leading to a formal legislative hearing. Sharp, funny, and grounded in the mechanics of language, the novella explores bureaucracy, accountability, and the quiet impact of speaking honestly in public spaces.