Monday, September 09, 2013

My First Public Reading














Sorry these aren't better photos, but it was a difficult place to take a photo. Last week I was invited by a former teacher of mine to take part in a reading at the Detroit Jazz Cafe. There were four poets, two singers, and me. I was very nervous about it, but it went all right. I read two stories, both short. The crowd, perhaps fifty people and mostly not there to see me,  seemed to like the stories even though they were dark. My friend, Anca, tells me that even though my stories are dark, I read them as if they are funny so it goes down better.

The gentleman in the third picture is Keith Taylor from University of Michigan. Strangely enough, he was Megan's first writing instructor when she was 19 and very encouraging to her. He is a terrific writer--both poetry and short stories. He spent a few minutes talking about her success. How very kind.

I don't know if I would want to do this regularly but it was fun doing it once. Especially at a place where I could order a glass of wine after my turn. Thanks to M.L. Liebler for inviting me to read. And thanks to the friends who showed up to listen.

12 comments:

Gerard said...

Goon on ya.

Unknown said...

See, that wasn't so bad, was it?

pattinase (abbott) said...

Although I have very little memory of it. Don't know if was a zen state or a zoned-out state.

seana graham said...

Congratulations. Public speaking is supposed to be one of the most dreaded things of all, and you conquered it.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Well, reading more than speaking. I doubt I would have made it through a speech.

Kelly Robinson said...

Cool, congrats. Wish there were a jazz cafe in my 'hood.

Anonymous said...

Patti - Congratulations!!! That is wonderful!

Al Tucher said...

We knew you would do well, even if you didn't!

pattinase (abbott) said...

Thanks, all.

Charles Gramlich said...

Cool! Congratulations on this. I've done a few public readings. They can be anxiety provoking. AT least for me.

Erik Donald France said...

Fantastic ~ congrats ~!!!

Loren Eaton said...

I'm a little late to the party here, but congrats, Patti. Wish I could've been there.