Tonight I am going to a local writers' meeting in a ramshackle old building edged by stark trees. We meet after new moon each month, when a crescent can be seen framed by the branches. Each of us brings a new piece of work to discuss and share with one another. Most members share poetry, lines that need re-working, asking for critique or--if desired, simply asking us to hear it without comments. I started off sharing poems, but the past few sessions have pushed past my fears and read sections aloud of my first novel manuscript. Strange to me to step beyond the edge of the paper and into the body. To give my words a physical voice behind them and hear how they sound is teaching me the cadence of language. I'm no longer just a paper girl...and now another group has asked me to come do a reading in late-March. The idea of moving out of the supportive nest of the regular group into a reading is nothing short of terrifying, but I'm making my way in that direction. I have the option of sharing poetry or prose and I will be spending the next few weeks puzzling over that one...summoning my courage not to back down.
posted by Left-handed Trees... at 1:16 PM
18 Comments:
Oh God! I would be scared to death! Sharing my work is something I'm working towards being more confident in. But I'm sure, if you've been invited to read, that you'll do a great job!
Wow, cool opportunity! Scary, sure, but yay you!! I like the self-portrait.
It shouldn't be so difficult to give voice to your words, dear Delia - your words are beautiful and poignant and deserve a wider audience. You're just feeling the way I was before going to the dentist's today - terrified! Once you're there, it's not so bad. xo
P.S. Great self-portrait!
Love the photo of you trapped as an inky impression on paper :-)
And a thousand jealousies that I am not among that writer's group to hear you read (sigh...) x
I'm happy for you D, this is a bold step but one that will be good for you on so many levels. I love this photo.
I think that this growth will be an amazing experience for you. Buck up and know you aren't alone in dealing with stage fright!
Even the thought of stepping outside your comfort zone is so scary, but can be tremendously rewarding too. I have no doubt you'll be just fine. How could they not love you?
such a beautiful picture of beautiful you.
your words are brilliant. you should shake that fear right off and embrace the opportunity. (I know, easier said than done!) But your words are still brilliant.
xo
B
I admire your strength. I need to find some of that too, somewhere inside me I must have it...
Great self portrait.
I'm a big believer in the idea that you get what you give in this world, so I have a feeling that great things are in the works for you.
I, too, draw strength from women like you.
Way to go Delia! That sounds wonderful, sigh.... I'm jealous for a group like that.
BTW, my package came today, and you REALLY want to read my post on it:
http://flamingrenaissance.com/2007/02/21/i-got-a-present/
Thank you so much!
I say prose! And, how I would love to be there to lap up some of those sections of your new manuscript... in person!
I love this self portrait and the texture you've achieved.
I knew a poet once who just adored doing readings left, right and centre... I remember looking at him and thinking, ok, either you're in love with yourself or you've simply mastered the art of channelling your self-confidence. Unfortunately, I think it was a case of the former :(
I could never relate.
It seems much more natural, much more human to me, to be at least a little bit apprehensive about publicly parting with your work... out loud!
You, and your work, will be -and sound- wonderful.
Love and courage
Vx
find that comfortable edge, push yourself to look over the cliff but not fall...
this is what I tell my yoga students, but I like to think about it all the time off the mat as well...
i'm with BB - i want to be in that group too :-) as ever, love, you are my inspiration xo
I love the idea of meeting after the new moon -- not on the first monday of the month or any such mundane thing, but when the crescent moon is framed by the trees. Nice! As for reading aloud, I haven't done much of it in front of people, but I read everything aloud that I write -- I definitely need to hear the cadence. I hope to hear you read some time!
How brave you are and I know you will do great;) Loved your SPC this week.
what a wonderful opportunity, i'm sure you will be wonderful :) and your courage and bravery will walk beside the fear and beauty will abound ...
i remember my first poetry reading at a book launch, i was terrified and was sure my voice would crackle and wimper and people wouldn't understand my words ~ but as i looked out at the strangers, i only saw support and it was wonderful :)
Love to run into chance enounters. Just a quick glance at your blog and I know there are more kindred spirits out there sharing the rites of Spring. I am new to blogging so will look into creating my own. Any tips? Constanza aka boubelina and boubelina2 on etsy.
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