WS Chronicle

What is Open Mic night?

Open Mic night is an opportunity for writers to read their work. Important for the writer, because something that looked good on the page may not ring true when read aloud. Important, too, because all writers hope to publish their books someday, and Open Mic gives them a chance to practice in a welcoming atmosphere for those bookstore readings in front of an unknown public. For those who come to listen, not read, it’s a fun night of free entertainment.

What is the Poetry in Plain Sight Initiative?

Poetry in Plain Sight is a new Winston-Salem Writers program, in conjunction with Press 53 and Barnhill’s Books. We are celebrating North Carolina poets by placing four new poems each month in shop windows and on kiosks throughout the Winston-Salem arts district. In April the poets featured are past and present North Carolina Poets Laureate. We celebrate the new poems with 4 Poems & A Party on the first Saturday of each month from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Barnhill’s Books. DADA has provided valuable support to this project, as have Wolfie’s and Competitive Edge, Inc. We offer other organizations the opportunity to sponsor a month of Poetry in Plain Sight. Delta Arts Center and Forsyth County Public Library have been sponsors; The Arts Council of Forsyth County and the Governor’s School Foundation are scheduled to sponsor future months.

Who participates in the Open Mic night? Who is it sponsored by?

Any writer can participate in Open Mic. Although it is sponsored by Winston-Salem Writers, a writer need not be a WSW member to participate.

Do I need to be a professional writer to attend?

Attendance at Open Mic is open to the public. Some of the writers you heard last night have never been published; others have won awards with their work.

How often are the Open Mic night events? When is the next one? Where?

Open Mic is held at 7:00 p.m. on the 3d Tuesday of each month at Community Arts Cafe. The next one will be held on May 16.

Why do you attends Open Mic nights? How long have you been attending?

Personally, I attend as much to hear, and support, what others are writing as I do to read my own work.  I attended my first Open Mic a few months after moving to Winston-Salem. I learned of Winston-Salem Writers’ existence at BookMarks and wanted to check out the local writers.

Winston-Salem Writers now has over 150 members, ranging from those who want to pursue a longheld dream of writing to those whose work has been published and won awards. We sponsor educational programs about the craft of writing, and seminars about marketing and publishing. We sponsor a number of critique groups that are dedicated to helping each other edit and improve their work. Another of our new initiatives is The Writing Life, a series of intimate conversations with well-known authors over a glass of wine. And we hold social events for our members for just plain fun.

Carol Roan, author and President of the Winston-Salem Writers