Apr 2, 2012

My First Reading

Two rows of empty chairs stood before me. My throat was sore, despite taking painkillers and drinking copious amounts of honey, lemon & glycerine. I'd been suffering from a cold and sore throat for the past few days and my voice had already gone the day before. I was worried it wouldn't hold out.

The room had been set aside since 11 for tea and coffee. I was due to start reading at 12. My wife and I were the only ones there. We had already found the best spot for her to take pictures and video. I'd placed my business cards on the chairs. I had my excerpts ready. I'd asked a friend who had done readings before for advice. I was all set.

And I was scared out of my life.

I viewed the reading as a performance. Not only did my audience have to like my writing, they had to like how I read it. I hadn't performed in from of an audience in about seven or eight years. My reading was a relatively late addition to the lineup of Vaticon, the UCD Games Society annual games convention, so I wasn't sure how many would show up. And to top it all off, I knew my voice wouldn't last long if I wasn't careful.

People slowly started to filter in. I went to double check that everyone who might be interested knew that we were starting and went back to wait a little longer.

I went back to the room, sat back down and began.

My voice held out, and at the end I got the best applause I've ever had.

Thank you to Vaticon for having me, and to everyone for turning up. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the book.


7 comments:

  1. You are incredibly brave. I have done plenty of public speaking and presenting, but can't imagine reading my own work to a crowd. Glad to hear it went well. Hope you are feeling better.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Dawn. It was great being able to get responses from people who hadn't read any of my work before, and to see what questions came up.

      I'm paying the price now, though. I can't talk at all today!

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  2. Congratulations to you!! This was inspiring to read. Kudos!

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  3. You get a medal for bravery. I was nervous just reading about your first reading. I was happy to 'hear'(of) the applause at the end!

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