Last week’s Consolidating Your Skills session covered an aspect of writing that’s become pretty much integral to the working lives of professional authors – reading to an audience. But there’s no reason why those in print should get to hog the limelight as there are plenty of opportunities for unpublished writers too. Listed below are the regular open mic events I know of in Glasgow and if you know of others do leave details in the comments box.
Anyone who’s workshopped their writing in class will know it’s often (always?) a bit nervy reading your work out to an audience, but in lieu of publication it’s a great way to get your writing heard and a valuable way of validating your efforts – as Louisa said in the class, reading your stuff out makes it ‘real’. In my experience audiences always show a tremendous amount of good will and encouragement to new writers and, despite the nerves, the buzz of satisfaction you feel afterwards makes it very worthwhile. One tip though – just don’t read for too long!
Word Factory – at various venues
Seeds of Thought – at the CCA, Sauchiehall Street
This website carries the contact details though doesn’t show the date of the next event which is this coming Saturday evening if you want to go along and see what it’s like.
Reading the Leaves – at Tchai Ovna teahouse, Otago Lane
Contact: readingtheleaves@hotmail.com
Last Monday at Rio – at the Rio Cafe, Hyndland Street
Aye Write always has open mic events in the programme so look out for those next year.
Creative Writing Glasgow 
Leave a Reply