I’ve done a lot of public readings. Open mics, workshops, theatres, places with folding chairs and weird lighting. People have told me I’m decent at it. That it sounds natural, strong, alive. And I sometimes even believe that is true. But I didn’t start that way.
It started when I began reading my pieces into the air a million times until it stopped feeling awkward. Until I didn’t stumble or shrink halfway through.
So, if you’ve got a reading coming up—maybe your book’s out, maybe you’re finally stepping into the mic light at a local event, maybe you’re just tired of hiding behind the page—here’s what I’ll tell you: practice. Not once, not twice. Read the piece out loud until it stops feeling like reading and starts feeling like something you're offering. That’s what makes the nerves manageable. That’s what gives you enough space to actually look up and connect with the people in front of you.
A valuable practice I got in public readings was doing storytime at a library for preschool and elementary school kids. There’s no tougher crowd. They bore easily even if the writing is good. They care how it lands. And the only way I ever got better at holding their attention was by practicing beforehand, reading out loud, over and over, until I could feel where the story sped up, where it dragged, where I needed to pause so a line could actually sink in (and where I should pause for laughter whenever I said the word butts).
When you’re picking the piece you want to read, think hard about what you want the audience to feel when it’s over. That part matters. A lot. Do you want to make them laugh? Break something open in them? Leave them quiet for a second? Get them riled up about something? Your job isn’t just to read the words—it’s to decide what you’re handing them in the process. Otherwise, you’re just performing into a void.
Once you know what you want them to take with them, you’ll read differently. You’ll know where to slow down. When to pause. When to let something land without rushing to the next line.
Give a sly smile if the piece calls for it. Breathe. Look up from the page when you can—not just to perform, but to remember that you're in a room with people who want to hear what you have to say. Let them hear it. Look at them so they know you are reading to them. You don’t need to be loud. You just need to be clear on what you came there to do.
Is it joy? Is it grief? Is it laughter? Do you want to take the wind out of them a little?
Get clear on that, and it’ll guide how you show up to the mic.
I’ve learned a lot about reading my own work from the Slam Poetry scene. Check out these pieces:
Can you feel them through the video? I can. Be better at the mic. Practice.
Book Recommendation:
I was hanging out with an artist friend a couple weeks ago and we were talking about finances. She said something along the lines of, “I remember you telling me when I talked about my financial future, “Oh Jackie, we will never own a home because we are writers.”” We had a good laugh because yes, that does sound like something I would say. But being real here, it is very very very hard to make a living on creativity alone. Many authors have other jobs or have side hustles to round out their income so they can keep making art. But as I have taken back my own finances in this last year as a I went through a separation and divorce, I am learning it is not actually impossible for creatives to grow their $$$ and have some resemblance of security. I have recommended it before I believe, but the book Invest Like A Girl by Jessica Spangler has been very helpful in my journey and I think you should check it out (Yes, you, Jackie.)
Author Tool:
Pinterest is not just a platform for recipes and home decor; it’s a tool for authors to connect with readers.
With over 400+ million monthly active users, Pinterest offers a rare opportunity to reach a diverse and engaged audience.
Unlike other social media platforms where posts quickly fade, Pinterest pins have longevity, often generating traffic for months or even years. This makes it an ideal platform for authors to showcase their work, share inspiration, and build a lasting connection with readers.
In the past, 10% of my audience discovered my work through Pinterest.
Recognizing its potential, I'm rebuilding my Pinterest profile from scratch to continue engaging with readers in meaningful ways. You can check out my new profile here.
If you're an author looking to expand your reach and connect with readers, consider giving Pinterest a real look. Its format and audience are still doing the work most platforms can’t keep up with.
If you don’t know how you can use Pinterest as an author, book an advising call and I will teach you how to maximize your Pinterest account to strengthen your audience and drive free traffic to where you sell your books.
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