Reading Your Writing

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

When I joined the Ottawa Independent Writers (OIW) in the fall of 2016, I had never heard of a book reading. A few months later, the OIW advertised that they would have a poem reading at the Christmas Party. I am not a poet and I was not available the day of the party, so I missed out on the readings. The next spring, I participated in the OIW Writer’s Workshop. It was held in the beautiful village of Westport, Ontario, right by the lake.

During the workshop, there was an evening dedicated to readings. This would be my first reading ever. I selected a flash fiction story, Take It Away Sam, that I had written the previous year and that was published online on the Flash Fiction Press website. When it was my turn to read, I was surprised at how nervous I was. I regularly present in front of audiences of up to 100 for my job, but this was a new context and I doubted my writing and delivery skills. My nervousness brought out some old habits of mine which are to talk too softly and too rapidly. Luckily, it was a small and supportive group of about a dozen authors. In terms of feedback, participants suggested I slow down.

After my children chapter book, Frankenstein’s Science Project, was published in early 2018, the OIW held an evening of reading. I was a bit indecisive at first, but I quickly realized that it would be an opportunity to read part of the book and get exposure for my book. I would be taking action and moving forward on selling my self-published book. “Move forward” is the first M in the DREAMS Cycle ™. I sent my name to the coordinator for the evening. The initial response was that the reading program was full and that I would be included on a waiting list. By the time the meeting arrived, I was able to squeeze in at the end.

In order to provide opportunities for multiple readings, the instructions for the reading indicated that the reading could be no longer than five minutes. I had to choose my section very carefully so as to stay within the limit, yet give a flavor for the book and entice people to purchase it. Fortunately, Frankenstein’s Science Project is a chapter book with each chapter running from 500 to 1,000 words. Just about perfect for a five-minute reading. I chose Chapter 4, The Creation of the Creature, as it describes my favorite part of the book when Igor returns with body parts and Dr. Frankenstein inspects them. You can read the chapter on Google Books.

I practiced my reading five times and timed myself. I concentrated on speaking slowly. The night of the OIW reading, I was the second to last person reading. During the evening, I attempted to concentrate on the other authors as they read, but I was nervous and kept reading Chapter 4. When my turn arrived, I needed to go to the front and sit in line waiting. When I was introduced, I moved into the spotlight.

There were about 30 people in the audience. My pace was better than usual, but someone in the back asked me to speak louder. I raised my voice so that people at the back could hear me. As Frankenstein’s Science Project is a humorous version of the classic monster tale, I got a few chuckles from the audience. That was very encouraging for me. After the reading, a few members provided positive comments.

That night, I was secretly hoping that someone would be interested in purchasing my book, and lo and behold, a member asked if I had a copy for sale. Of course, I had brought a few. She said, “Do you have any change?” I was selling the book for $10 and she only had $20. After checking my wallet, I had to answer, “Unfortunately, I don’t”. We agreed that she would buy a book at the next OIW meeting.

Because of my lack of readiness and planning, I missed an opportunity for a sale. Fortunately, one month later, the member showed up and she bought a copy. She joked that she also had a book for sale. I did not respond at the time but seeing her exchange a book with another author, I realized that authors need to support each other. The next month I bought her book. As her book was $20 and mine was only $10, I was out of pocket $10. No matter, I had sold a copy of my book which was a step to reach my goal of selling 200 copies.