Yes, it was terrifying and I was incredibly nervous, especially in the lead-up. But once I was up there and had started reading, I knew I had to see it through and I did. I even ended up reading a second piece later in the night because some people had dropped out of the program and the organiser asked around for volunteers. Here's the part where I say, YAY FOR MOBILE PHONES! I wasn't the only one who ended up getting my gadget out and reading off it.
Aside from participating, I really loved listening to everyone else who read. I'm pretty sure I was the only first year who participated; everybody else seemed to know the lecturer who organised it from their poetry class, which I know is a level 2 and 3 unit. I'm planning on taking that unit next year. But it was incredible to hear some of the things people read. Though mostly poetry, I read a piece of flash fiction the first time around and prose the second time, and another girl read the beginning of her short story, The Tiger is a Metaphor, which was absolutely brilliant. The lecturer who organised it wrapped things up with a piece that went for about eight minutes, accompanied by a Ney, which is a Turkish flute made out of reed. It was pretty cool!
Overall, it was an interesting, quirky and awesomely fun night. I spoke to the lady who organised it afterwards and she mentioned that it was neither the first nor last time she was hosting such an event, so hopefully I'll get to participate in another reading again soon.
Have you ever attended or participated in a reading? What did you think?
- Bonnee.
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Congratulations! It's funny how the nerves can melt away when you start, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWe have an arts group that sometimes does 'open mic nights' around here, and I've thought about reading a short piece for it, but I haven't yet, and they haven't had one for a long time. I'll keep my eyes open for it, though. I'd like to do it, but I'm getting sweaty palms just thinking about it.
Thanks Jeff! :D
DeleteI think the open mic nights are definitely worth looking in to. It's nerve-wracking, but I think it was a really good experience and writers should definitely take that sort of opportunity when it presents itself. Go for it!
Congratulations! It must have taken a lot to put yourself out there like that, but you did it and did it well. I really admire your courage and tenacity. Sounds like an amazing experience! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Shari, it was such a great experience.
DeleteI went to a Poetry Slam in Boulder Colorado once. There were ten readers, and it was a competition among them. There were judges, and the audience got to vote with clapping. One old man, a pervert, read nothing but perverted poetry, and would not step down. O man. At least it was memorable. Congratulations on your reading!
ReplyDeleteWe weren't competing at my reading, though a competitive reading would be another interesting experience. There were a few sexual references woven in to some of the poems, but nothing explicit or perverted, thankfully.
DeleteHappy that it went well for you. You put another experience under your belt and next time you will not be nervous. When you read the second story from your mobile phone, wasn't it difficult to see the lines while reading?
ReplyDeleteI'm following a nice literary agent from Australia. She only represents Australians, but lives in New York and Sydney. You might want to take a look at her blog
www.virginallyod.com/vblog/
If you have questions, she is likely answer.
Small correction to her blog. She posts useful information for Aussie autors.
ReplyDeletevirginiallyod.com
I definitely don't think I'll be as nervous next time. I was worried I wouldn't be able to read off the phone too well, but I guess I've had enough practice from reading text messages and using facebook on my phone not to mess up. I didn't have a problem :)
DeleteThanks for this reference, I'll have to check her out some time :D
Way to go! It's always a little nerve-wracking; I guess the trick is not to show it. I spoke at a conference last year, and my wife said I looked completely at ease...but I could feel my knees wobbling the whole time.
ReplyDeleteI think keeping composure is a big help, yes. I thought I must have seemed terrified reading the first piece, but my friends told me they could only tell during the second piece, because my voice was shaking. Thanks for the support :)
DeleteHello Bonnee. Great to meet another Australian writer with aspirations of being published. Go for it! No, I haven't read aloud at any conferences etc. Don't think my nerves would allow it. And to go twice. You're very brave.
ReplyDeleteI've followed you. I hope I can join you on your journey to publication.
Denise
Aussie writers, unite! As nervous as I was, I'm glad it was a fear I was able to overcome. Thanks for stopping by and for following :)
Delete- Bonnee.
I've not participated in a reading before. I can imagine how much fun you had once you got over your intial nervousness. Impressive.
ReplyDeleteIt was a really fabulous experience. Thank you, Lynda :)
DeleteI did my first reading last month to a couple people. A good experience, and a serious congrats to you! I would've loved to hear it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much David and that's great that you've had such an experience too!
Delete"""Sokratis pressures Arsenal>> Hope to join Napoli"""
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