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Five suggestions for writers who want to do a fantastic reading
simple advice and pro-tips learned while running an author reading series
I’ve been running an author reading series (the Pen Parentis Literary Salons) for more than 15 years. We have presented more than 300 writers including luminaries like Min Jin Lee, Victor LaValle and Jennifer Egan (all great readers!) These readings have been in glamorous Manhattan locations and for the last four years, online. I also attend dozens of live readings both in person and online.
From copious experience, I have learned just telling writers to “practice” their readings isn’t enough. Great writing can be undermined by a bad reading. Do a really terrible reading and the host of the series might be reluctant to have you back. Do a great one and they want you back right away!
So, how can a writer keep from bombing onstage, particularly when the book is outstanding? Here are some simple tips to make your reading as spectacular as the words on the page!
1) read the room — If people are on their phones, or if they are leaning very far forward or (hello!) repeatedly brushing hair back from their ears, they might not be able to hear you. Speak up! If there is a microphone talk directly into the middle of the fat part. Do not angle! Get close! And speak slowly. It takes a minute for a…
