I have had short stories published in the last two Level Best anthologies, Dead Calm and Thin Ice. Tonight I am going to be doing a reading at the Trident Bookstore in Boston (on Newbury Street, 7pm) with two other writers. Mark Ammons (one of the other readers, and a Level Best editor) wrote to me on Sunday, and said that this is being billed as a reading, not a panel, so I should be ready to read for 3-5 minutes and talk.
I can talk. Though an introvert by nature, I push beyond my comfort zone on a regular basis. I teach. I run theater town halls. I facilitate conversations. I can talk.
But a reading. I’m not going to lie, I am a bit of a wreck. Here’s why.
I need to find a section of the story that stands alone, and makes sense. This story, “Her Wish”, is one that I care a lot about. It was inspired by a friend, and her battle with cancer. I don’t want people to dread reading the story; it also has humor, and is a caper.
I need to read it aloud. As I said, I can talk. But I am not an actress, and reading aloud scares me. Especially reading my own work.
Now, I am doing my best to pack the room with friends. I suspect that will help. And I am thrilled to be doing this event, and to be in the company of Mark Ammons and Adam Renn Olenn. I will do the deep breaths, practice this afternoon, and it will all be fine.
I’ll post in my comments later, and let you know how it went.
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J.A. Hennrikus is the Executive Director of StageSource. She is a mystery writer who has her story “Her Wish” published in DEAD CALM, an anthology by Level Best Books. She is a huge social media fan, and tweets under @JulieHennrikus. She wrestles with allusions of athleticism, is an avid theater goer and a proud member of Red Sox nation. Her website is jahennrikus.com
Julie–you will be great! There is an actress in you, aka story teller. Let her out!
I’m wrestling with the opposite problem: I can read, my work or others–give me a script and I’m on my way. But talking? Nope. I freeze. So let me learn from you this evening! And congratulations on “Her Wish” again!
Hi Julie,
Congratulations on the publication of your story. You are going to do great! Very inspiring post. Thanks for sharing!
Warmly,
Diane
I can sympathize with you! I’m sure you’ll do great. Not even out of the chute with my first book yet and I have “work with a voice coach” as an item on my bucket list, so I can have some formal training in “readings.” I don’t think authors talk about this topic much, but an excellent reading is part of the marketing and building of your reputation, your product.
Good luck to you! Hope it goes well.
You’ll definitely be fine! Best wishes to you.
Good luck with your reading, do it for your friend and you will find the strength ~ and itwill take your mind off your nerves. Hope it goes well.
Thanks for the comments! It went well–had seven friends right up front. It made such a difference!
See! You ARE a competent writer – in more than one way when it comes to the demands of writing!
YAY for you!
Thanks for reminding me of what’s possible.
The LTWWTL blog is wonderful…it helps those of us a step behind to see what’s ahead!