What makes a good reader?
I attend about four storytelling events a month. Within thirty seconds of hearing somebody can read, I can tell if somebody is a good, great, or terrible out-loud storyteller. It's hard to explain this sixth sense, but those qualities are essential for sharing your writing with others.
While shuffling through the Small Spiral Notebook blog today, I found a great round-up of New York readings--but this summary very eloquently and simply captures the essential qualities of a good reading. Check out the post, and spend some time listening to these writers. Learn from the best:
"[At] the B&N Chelsea where Mark Doty read from his recently released memoir, Dog Years. I wish all writers lucky enough to read to an audience would take a lesson from Doty. He's concise, clear, and engaged with what he is saying. He likes questions but won't bleat on if a sentence or two will do. He doesn't even stutter. He's a rock."
As long as you are hanging out over at Small Spiral Notebook, check out the new edition--I especially dug "The Boy Detective Fails." Thanks to Jeffrey Yamaguchi for the link.
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