Even though I was used to speaking to large audiences, on occasions of over a hundred people, when I was a Teacher Adviser, why was I becoming increasingly nervous as my place on the programme approached? Could it be because I was reading out something that I had written in front of fellow writers? I was first to read after the interval and then I was able to relax. In spite of my nerves, it was literally over in a flash!
What struck me listening to all the pieces was the wide range of subject matter and the variety of the writing styles of the authors. As it says in the blurb, there were "stories to intrigue, entertain and move you, about the past, the future, childhood, old age, people, relationships and the beliefs that carry us through life" and all this "crafted in no more than 300 words."
For me, reading stories aloud can make them come alive in a way that is different from reading them on the page and that's what made yesterday afternoon such an enjoyable occasion.
Thank you for reading my blog. Have you been nervous about sharing your work? I'd love to hear about how you feel when you read your stories aloud and look forward to reading your comments.
**Stop Press** - I'm delighted to have received an email to say that my story "The Curse of the Turquoise Pool" had been Commended in the Swansea and District Writers' Circle short story competition. It will be included in their e-book early in 2016.
You may also follow me on Twitter @JanBayLit and on Jan Baynham Writer Face Book page.
Perhaps the reason behind the nerves was the importance of the occasion. Sharing your writing with others so publicly is a big deal. As a former teacher, I too have plenty of confidence about speaking in front of others - in fact, I enjoy it. But I've never been in the situation you were in, so maybe the nerves would hit me too. Here's a question for you - were you too nervous to concentrate on the stories other writers read out?
ReplyDeleteI think you're right that sharing your writing publicly may be what makes it a big deal not the fact you're speaking to a big audience. I'd like to think I appreciated all the writers' stories that went before me but I expect I concentrated much more once I'd done my bit and was able to relax. Apologies to those readers in Part 1! The beauty of buying the anthology, though, meant I could read all the stories again once I got home. Thank you for commenting, Sue. :-)
DeleteCongratulations, Jan!
ReplyDeleteReading work is different from talking to people. Like you I've spoken to groups at work but was nervous when asked to do a reading (of a poem).
I remember the Turquoise pool story. Glad that's found a home.
Thanks, Patsy. Yes, a different beast. Let's hope that the more we have to read our work, the better we'll feel.(Note the confidence on my part that there'll be a next time for me, ha, ha!)
DeleteYes, I enjoyed writing the Turquoise Pool story so was very pleased. Thanks.
Thank you for taking time out to read and comment. It's much appreciated as always.
Many congratulations on your great news, Jan. I think we all get a bit nervous when we do something new. I've been a teacher for 20 years now and recently I started a new Business English course at a German company. I was extremely nervous - but I needn't have been. All was well. I look forward to reading the Turquoise Pool story, Jan. Have a lovely week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nicola. Yes, all was fine and as you say, you then wonder why you worried. Thanks for your kind words about the Turquoise Pool story, too. It's one of my favourites and I think that's why I was so pleased.
DeleteThank you for commenting. :-)
Congratulations! I hope these successes have boosted your confidence. See, you can do it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I missed you at Worcester this year - can't believe it's a year since we introduced ourselves to each other! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI was going to enter the competition but missed the deadline! I'm finding it true that the older you get the faster time whizzes past, but running to catch up is good exercise!
DeleteHa, ha! Yes, they also say time flies when you're having fun. :-) After winning and having two pieces shortlisted in 2014 you have to make the deadline next year. Shall I sent you a reminder? ;-)
DeleteWell done, Jan. Great news on getting the Turquoise pool story published as well. You're on a roll. Hope this gets through, I've tried to post twice before but they don't seem to be getting to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. Yes, your comments are here and clear, so thank you for that. :-)
DeleteYES..leave it alone! When you come back to it, all the flaws and missteps will be clear. Meanwhile, do what I'm doing (just finished draft of 4th book in crime series..start new book....x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. Good advice from someone who knows! I have some ideas so in the new year, I may very well do that. Thank you for popping by to leave a comment.
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