Always the Actor

Here in Charlotte, NC, there is a wonderful group called the Charlotte Writers' Club. They have interesting speakers and social events I have truly cherished.

However, the one monthly event that I covet and have never missed since I started with the group is called "Open Mic Night". Usually the third Friday of each month the group sponsors an opportunity for members to get up and read before a crowd of fellow writers. It's held at a wonderfully welcoming coffee shop appropriately named "Mugs". (I'm not wild about their coffee but hey, you can't have everything.)

You may not be aware that I was an actor in a former life, and it seems you just can't take the "ham" out of the boy. I can't describe how much I enjoy reading my work before my fellow authors.

Strange as it may seem, I most enjoy reading dialogue but have fun with the straight narrative parts as well.

I recently did a presentation/book signing at a local independent bookstore called Park Road Books and I've got to say that that's the most fun I've had in a long time. The manager said that I was one of the few readers she could hear (that stage training came in handy) and she asked for 6 more copies of "The Id Paradox".

I have another reading/signing scheduled at a different coffee shop in Charlotte in January and one at another coffee shop in my hometown of Laredo, TX in April. I have to say I'm a bit concerned about those. Who goes to a coffee shop to hear writers read from their works? Well, you gotta start somewhere.

But what a treat it is to be able to combine my love of writing and acting! I'm forever grateful!