So what better time to post on your blog than late at night after a bad day of school and stuff?
Answer: None.
There is none. This is great.
So anyways, the topic today is READING.
Not just reading in particular, no, the topic is READING ALOUD
And how not to flip out when people ask you to do it.
READING OUT LOUD
is a fantastic way to practice.
Practice sentence structure, practice word placement, practice confidence, practice everything.
It is HARD, granted.
Reading out loud the first couple of times is awful.
Honestly.
But it's not the end of the world, trust me.
You have come to the right place in your desperation for help on your first read-aloud assignment.
Here's a few tips for first-timers.
1. Don't panic.
Reading aloud is great for you and your story, and once you get the hang, can be tons of fun. Stay chill and ask whoever is asking you when they would like to hear it. If you feel comfortable, set up a time later at maybe a coffee shop. It's a set date and you'll be more prepared by then.
2. If it's someone you don't know very well, and you're not comfortable, don't.
It's every distant relative/ mom's friend's kid's job in life to look over your shoulder, ask what you're writing and sometimes if they can read/hear it.
If you don't want to, politely tell them that you'd rather not, or tell them maybe another time after you've edited and feel better about it.
Someone who doesn't know you well is just going to listen politely, and will not give you feedback of almost any kind.
You're looking for helpful review, remember, and that creepy guy perched on the armchair in the corner isn't going to help your cause.
3. Read without reading.
This step is for reading itself and requires the four-page rule. Meaning, that if you hit a spot of bad editing or someplace that you know needs work and you are embarrassed, focus on the words and not the context or meaning. If you think about the words, sometimes you can get through an entire paragraph without realizing what just happened.
Do me a favor and go through point 3 again and see if you can read without reading. Really focus on how the words are spelled.
Did it work?
No?
Ignore point 3, then.
(gosh that was embarrassing.)
4. Don't stop.
Keep going the whole time. It's okay to laugh, or go "Oh Gosh, this part is bad", but don't pause too long or you lose your buddies' attention.
5. Listen to what they have to say.
Feedback is the healing potion in your inventory. It is instructive and will help your story, promise.
6. Keep reading aloud.
Practice makes perfect. :) The more you read to friends (especially good ones) the easier it gets.
And 7. (That was unintentional) Don't beat yourself up.
Your story is yours. It is GOOD. And unless your friends tell you they DON'T like it or are liars,
they're not going to sit there, taking notes like:
 |
| Excessive Sherlock, I'm sorry. |
Friends are good. Good is good. Your story is good. Keep reading, reading aloud and writing. Don't ever give up, because your book is going to be AWESOME.
On a lighter note:
Goofy Doc McCoy for your entertainment.
Have a great day, y'all!
