Jan
8
2010
When I Read A Poem…
Author: siggyWhen I read a poem of mine in public, I have the audience for the first ten seconds. If I don’t capture their attention right away, I lose them so the beginnings of my poems have to be interesting and are important. I do not read a poem in public if there is any part of it I am not satisfied with. I can’t read the poem confidently and with the right inflections and feelings if I have any doubts concerning the poem. I have to believe in the whole package, that the poem was put together well. So with any piece of writing: you can’t have any major doubts of it, if you want to submit it for publication. It has to be as good as you can get it.
Tags: as good as you can get it, audience, beginning of poem important, believe in whole package, God, have no doubts about the poem, poem, poem put together well, poetry, read a poem in public, read poem confidently, submit writing for publication, writers, writing
January 8th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
I’ve never read poetry in public, but I fully understand the sentiment. We get a split second of audience attention. If we don’t nail it, we have more work to do.
I applaud anyone who can read their own writing in public. This is the hardest thing I have ever done and thank the Lord my audience is kids. Those I can read to!
January 8th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Dear Cat Woods,
I used to be petrified about public speaking. I started reading regularly my poetry in public about ten years ago in my county. I found out I had a talent for making people laugh and I really got a kick out of it. And wrote more and more humorous poems many of which I have read in public. I recorded two CD’s the last three years and gave most of the copies away for presents. If you go on my web site siggyscafe.com, you will be able to play a few clips. I still get nervous when I get up to read. The feedback I have gotten from open mikes have been generally pretty positive. Poems are easier for me to read: they are often little stories. My wife is an excellent editor. The best comedians make you laugh at things that sometimes are painful. I have learned to mix serious poems with funny ones. I have gotten a reputation for unpredictability: people never know what to expect from me. I can read with power and confidence because I have polished my poems and write with honesty. I always strive for simplicity and clarity.