Comments on: Will Read for …

By: Val Nieman

Val Nieman — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:49:10 +0000

In reply to Louise. Thanks for your note, Louise! I remember getting leg shakes, too. But it has gotten easier. Best wishes on your next reading!

By: Louise

Louise — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:36:24 +0000

At my very first reading, my leg shook so violently I had to hold on to the table. Mortifying. I hope it gets easier with practice!

By: Megan Noelle

Megan Noelle — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:45:20 +0000

What an encouraging post!–and, so fitting to my life at the moment. This Friday I am going to hear my writer-friend and former classmate speak at our school. I am hoping it will help me realize, “hey, I could do that, too!” Coupled with the great advice in this article, I think I’m in for an inspirational experience!

By: Tamsen Butler

Tamsen Butler — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:47:48 +0000

I’m lucky to have some theater training under my belt and I’ve used it many times when speaking in public about my books. I can’t imagine how terrifying it would be to face speaking in public without those tools in my arsenal.

By: Marjorie Hudson

Marjorie Hudson — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:50:08 +0000

My feelings exactly: Only Connect has been my mantra since my first book reading, taken from E. M. Forster’s character Margaret in Howards End. The work connects us all through language, deep feeling. We are lucky to be in such rooms, no matter how many people show up.

And thanks for the shout out, Valerie!

By: Nettie

Nettie — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:59:26 +0000

Val, this is all great advice that I hope I will be able to put into practice some day in the not too distant future.
I recently attended a few events at the Word Festival held at Aberdeen University (Scotland). I heard the fabulous Margaret Attwood read there and although she was on a stage before an audience of hundreds, she managed to engage each and every one of us. For her it was easier – she *IS* Margaret Attwood – but we can all dream about getting there some day.
Thanks for your practical advice, Val.
Nettie Thomson
http://www.nettiethomson.com
@NettieWriter

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 07:18:00 +0000

Very interesting and informative post Valerie!

By: Clare Kirkpatrick

Clare Kirkpatrick — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 06:53:35 +0000

Well I’m a long way from this point, but your post is so useful. And I’m definitely going to be using the time from now until I do actually get to read my writing (ahem!) to go and see other authors reading so I can find out what works and what doesn’t.

Thanks for sharing your experiences 🙂

By: Women Writers, Women's Books

Women Writers, Women's Books — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 02:06:46 +0000

Val, thanks so much for sharing your experience with author readings. Having just attended one of yours in the Raleigh area of North Carolina, where I heard first hand a bookstore manager say how well you engaged your audience, and how important that is, I'm glad to see you share your suggestions. Who'd have thought that in addition to your listeners, you also need to win the hearts of the bookstore event managers. I especially loved seeing that you and fellow Press 53 author Marjorie Hudson are doing events together. With both of you writing about moving to the South, about belonging and place, there is added resonance in your joint events. As a global nomad with origins in Massachusetts, now living in the South, your work is deeply relevant. - Anora McGaha, editor