I’ve been invited to read at Improvmania in Chandler, August 23rd. It’s a back to school fundraiser for kids in need, so I picked a piece about career growth, which is code for the struggle between earning and living and being an artist. It was published a while back in Toad Suck Review, but I’ve never read it publicly.
Despite the name, Improvmania, I will not be improvising, other than the possibly charming off the cuff banter before I begin reading word for word. This will be my first reading since Lit Lounge last year at the Scottsdale Museum of Modern Art. I was nervous then, and when it was my turn, the mic was set too low for me by about three inches, and instead of adjusting it, or asking someone to help me adjust it, I read my entire piece in an ever so slight stoop. While this might have been sort of beneficial for my core musculature, it was not the best way to deliver a light hearted accounted of my adventures as a self-conscious male model. Actually, that’s often how I felt modeling, slightly off kilter, never quite comfortable, too uncertain to ask questions.
So I’m looking forward to reading into a properly adjusted microphone and having a good time with everyone who turns out. Debra has promised more information soon, and I will post as soon as available.