I am an emcee for one open mic and a "regular" for another open mic, both in York.
I enjoy seeing the talents of many different individuals.
I also know that some of my prose readers get nervous joining the poets, magicians, comedians, and musicians on the stage.
But there is an audience for you, my prose readers.
And reading out loud as a prose author is so very important to author promotion. Even if you don't have a book for sale now, if you are looking at public sharing of your work, you are self-promoting. So here are some pointers to putting best pieces (and self) forward.
#know your time limit.
Do speakers get 2 minutes? 7? 20? Be familiar with the material you intend to share. You don't have to have it memorized, but have the sections selected in advance.
#you don't have to start at page one.
And it's better if you don't. Unless you are going to read the entire book, pick 2-3 compelling sections (depending on time limit) and practice them until you can look up from the page.
#look up
Do not hide behind your prose. Know your piece well enough that you can look up and connect with the listener. People WILL put their phones down and listen to you if you make and keep eye contact with them. The payoff is worth it.
#showcase dialogue
Of course I am going to say this. I prefer dialogue to monologue to descriptions of settings. But the only monologuing that I find people listening to is comedic. If your prose is not comedic, go for the drama.
#be selective
Some things read well and some things are spoken well. While some people could read us the phone book, other people are better off with more dynamic material. When giving a reading, you don't have to read every dialogue tag (especially if you differentiate voices and use dynamics). You don't have to say anything that you can reflect in your tone. While there is a difference between reading a story and telling a story, people would rather be told a story than read to.
#your best is not for everyone
And your best today may not be your best tomorrow. Keep getting out there, keep practicing out loud and keep writing. Sometimes the words you intend to share will miss their mark. But if you quit there, you won't find the words that you need to satisfy your desire to have written in the first place.
#guidelines
There is an exception to every rule, even (if not especially) when I am giving advice.
Join me at the next Open Mic:
- November 9, 7-9 p.m. – GUSA by Victoria at 252 W Philadelphia St, York, PA (2nd Thursday each month), for walk-in spoken word and music performances
- November (Saturday TBA), 12-4 p.m. – Rustic Cup Coffee Shop at 50 W. Maple Street, East Prospect, PA, for walk-in comedy, music, spoken word and magic performances, and more
I, Phyl Campbell, am a creative writing instructor and author in my own write (I mean right!) I am creator and coordinator of the Make-a-Book classes for young authors held at GUSA by Victoria and Rustic Cup. Author of books such as
A Muse Meant and
I’m Not Writing a Book Today, available on Amazon.com and at i-ron-ic coffee shop (upstairs) in York City,
www.phylcampbell.com or on
Facebook to learn more about my writing – and how you can create a children’s book or chapter book yourself!
you can find me at
I am amazed each year by the number of would- be and up-and-coming writers who still don't know about NANO (NaNoWriMo) or National Novel Writing Month. With all the writers of certain experience either moaning its approach or being excited, how can anyone else miss it? It's something like all writerly posts were replaced with cat pictures on some people's social media accounts. Or some people just live under a rock.
