Welcome to 40 Days of 3 Questions!
For the next few weeks, meet here every morning with a notebook or document to answer three questions about writing, about your status quo as a writer, or about the writing life. You can answer briefly and go about your day, or you can use this as a warm up exercise before your regular writing schedule. Whatever works for you, works for me.
Day 18 Questions
- Do you ever read your work in public–literary readings, open mic, etc.?
- Are you comfortable reading in public?
- Would you like to do more, less, the same amount of public readings?
You may post answers in comments or keep your thoughts private–your choice!
And here is today’s pretty picture:
Ramona DeFelice Long 
All yeses – but I make sure to keep the reading short and end on a hook.
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1,) Do you ever read your work in public–literary readings, open mic, etc.? I have read in public at one library and at one book signing.
2.) Are you comfortable reading in public? I’m quite comfortable, but I don’t read for more than a minute and I make sure there’s a great line at the end.
3.) Would you like to do more, less, the same amount of public readings? I’ll only read from one of my books if the event organizer insists. I would rather chat and talk about my journey to publication.
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Good job!
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I have yet to read my work in public with the exception of a few workshops I’ve taken. I have no fear of public speaking, I’m a born storyteller and once I get going everyone should just settle in. My goal for this year is to read at a few open mic nights. I’m trying to arrange one in the gallery where I work.
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All yeses. The one time I omitted reading at a book launch, I was asked why I left it out! Yes, end on a hook.
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Do you ever read your work in public–literary readings, open mic, etc.? Yes. I had a national book tour in 2016. It was for my book titled, From Sun to Sun: A Hospice Nurse Reflects on the Art of Dying. It’s frightening. I got two big NPR speaking engagements from my Story Slam performance. I was awful but they liked the topic.
Are you comfortable reading in public? Not quite yet, but better. I’ll be on the Presenter Panel next week at a writers conference and I’m already nervous about it.
Would you like to do more, less, the same amount of public readings? More. It depends on the audiences reaction during the reading!
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I do read in public but when asked to speak I prefer not to. I’d rather talk about the book or my journey as a writer, etc. I prefer reading to my granddaugther!
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Do you ever read your work in public–literary readings, open mic, etc.? I’ve done two readings, both with my Sisters in Crime chapter. The first was to a small group, the second was larger.
Are you comfortable reading in public? Sort of? I won’t say no, but I always think my voice is wavering from nerves.
Would you like to do more, less, the same amount of public readings? Uh, maybe the same. I am participating in our open mic in May to promote my book. Now that I have a book to promote, maybe it’ll be a little less nerve-wracking.
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Do you ever read your work in public–literary readings, open mic, etc.? In Tucson I belonged to a writing group and we did periodic themed readings at a local coffee house. I also belonged to a poetry society and in we read our poetry at a local venue during poetry month.
Are you comfortable reading in public? Yes
Would you like to do more, less, the same amount of public readings? I would like to do more. That would mean that I had been writing more that had reached a “finished” state and had found a group or place to read it. All I’ve read was poetry. I’d like to read short stories and essays and, of course, an exciting excerpt from my book.
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I LOVE hearing short passages in the writer’s voice. It’s a special immersion into the work and invitation to read more. I do not have works to read, but I did once read passages from one of Elaine Viets’ books when Susan McBride filled in for Elaine at a book event, saw my copy bristling with post-its, and asked me to read. This was when the amazing community of authors stepped in for Elaine, who was recovering in the hospital and couldn’t go on tour. The generosity introduced us to many new, caring authors. ❤
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***Do you ever read your work in public–literary readings, open mic, etc.?
Yes, I’ve done it a few times.
***Are you comfortable reading in public?
I’m absolutely terrified when I speak in public, except on panels. No matter if I’m reading my material or just giving a speech on some topic.
***Would you like to do more, less, the same amount of public readings?
I would like to do none, but people seem to appreciate it so much and it sometimes sells books and creates fans, so I’ll keep doing it.
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