D.C. science fiction writer Tara Campbell recently wrote an article in the Washington Independent Review of Books encouraging silent writers to go out and read their work! One great way to test if your latest piece is submission-ready, Tara said, is to attend a local reading and actually read your work to others. Audiences at all of the readings I’ve been to have been very welcoming, especially if it’s an open-mic. Tara listed several local readings in the D.C. area.
Her article also introduced me to a 2015 piece by E.A. Aymar on how not to suck at readings. He warns against shitty delivery and reading for too long. I’d also add practicing reading — sometimes I practice in front of a mirror, or in my head on my long Metro commutes. It helps me feel like once I get up on that stage or in front of people, I’ve done it before. There’s some excellent advice in both of these articles.