Don’t they know how dangerous this is? Apparently not, because I’m participating in an author-created and run event called “Curated Words”, and the hosts are going to willingly surrender a microphone to me.

I’m doing a live reading from my work for about 7 minutes in front of an audience, which means I get to choose a section of my novel that I think can sort of stand alone. I was advised to pick a funny part, because funny or tear-inducing goes over well with the audience. I don’t do tears unless they’re from laughter, so I chose funny. Only thing is not everybody thinks I’m funny. I’m always worried that people won’t get me or my humor. Most folks take me WAY too seriously. My sarcasm is dry and I deliver it deadpan, no hint of a smile. People who don’t know me think I’m the meanest person ever. And sometimes I let them think it, because duh… it should have been overly obvious that I was joking. 😀

So, anyway, off that tangent, I picked a funny section. I practiced it a few times, and recorded myself so I could time the length. I edited and chopped down descriptions that aren’t needed in the context of the reading, and still go over my time limit by a minute. But the host says it’s fine. So, I’m excited. I get to act out my story. I want to practice voices. I always feel stupid making different voices, but when multiple characters have dialogue, you don’t want to talk the same each time.

I used to do story times for kindergarten through second grade at my previous job and really just had to get over feeling self-conscious. My audience then was comprised of small children, I’ll be reading for mostly adults this time, and most of these adults might be there to hear poetry, essays and literary short stories. I’m gonna be outrageous and outlandish with my young adult sci-fi/fantasy reading. (Another reason why I want to practice voices.)

I chose a section narrated by my craziest character, and I’m gonna get into it. I might even get more into than I practiced once I have that microphone in my hand. There’s something about a microphone that just brings out my inner diva. They might not be able to get it away from me. I might have to do some impromptu karaoke, some impressions… I could go on, but I won’t.

I made this post so I could advertise “Curated Words”. An event created for authors by authors so that published authors and those seeking publication can share their writing with others in the community. The authors who read must submit their work to be considered for a time slot. The hosts truly emphasize that they want quality material presented. Makes me puff out my chest and strut a little.

Now, I’ll just hope that no one throws stuff at me. “Get off the stage!” lol.

The event is the last Thursday of every month at Juice N Java in Pacific Grove, California. Reading starts at 7:30. I’m going to be there this Thursday, February 25, 2016. If you’re in the area, please drop in and see what’s going on. I might even let you share the mic with me and we’ll sing a duet… and all get kicked out :D.

Seriously though, it’s a great event put together by great people. I appreciate that they included me and hope they’ll have me back. So, I’ll have to behave. But I’m still going to really give my piece a lively performance. Maybe I’ll see if someone can record me doing it, so I can share.

Until next time, take care!