Don't Be Your First 'No': 4 Reasons Why Open Mic Night Is Actually a Good Idea for Fantasy Writers
Guest post by Shannon Fitzgerald
The worst 'no' we can ever receive is a 'no' from ourselves. The greatest downfall of a writer is not only choosing not to write, but believing our writing is not worth reading. In this case, it all starts with us. We have the first say when it comes to the stories our hearts need to tell and the truths our souls can't bear to hold onto. The bridge between wanting to write and being a writer begins with confidence. If you have confidence in yourself then a 'no' could light your inner fire, not put out your spark. The importance of sharing your work is not to prove to others that your writing is worth it, but to prove it to ourselves. That's where the setting of an open mic night comes in.
Don't get me wrong, if I had to choose how to spend my night, my first choice wouldn't be to tell a story to a room full of strangers that have eyes that can see into my soul. Well, that's what my anxiety likes to believe. It's not an activity that brings the sensation of comfort, as I'm sure you will agree. But that's why it is good for us to do so. Making the choice to step into a new environment is a big deal. Making the choice to tell your story in front of others is life-changing. Comfort doesn't ignite progress, being bold enough to hold a mic and demand your story to be heard, does.
With that, I give you the four reasons why participating in open mic night is actually a good idea.
1. Confidence is built through action.
Putting a mic in your hand is not just an action, it's a statement. It's a statement to yourself and to those around you that you believe in what you are saying. A story is more than just words, it's the ability to take the reader where your mind has been. No matter the genre, story telling is a gateway to everything you are. So when you walk on the stage, you are telling the audience that you believe in what you say next. If you don't believe in the power of what you write, the reader won't be able to go where you want them to. Having confidence in yourself radiates in our story-telling. So what better way to strengthen your confidence than having the guts to do something as terrifying as letting others in your world? Who knows, maybe you have exactly what they came looking for.
2. Someone in the audience came to hear your story.
When people attend an open mic session, they go to feel something. They don't know what they need, until they hear it. Maybe they needed to feel relatable or heard, maybe they needed a real good laugh, or maybe they came to see life from a different lens. They came for something, and your story contains what they need. You and the audience just don't know it yet; not until you take that mic and tell them your story. Having confidence in your writing means believing that statement to be true. The truth is, you just might be the something they came looking for. Deep down, your writing is a piece of of who you are. That piece of you is needed by readers. We all grow and thrive by what we learn from others. Your work could be the match to someone finding their spark, their hope. You won't know the impact you could make unless you share your work. Now, take that mic and show them what they need.
3. Rejection is not your weakeness, it's your superpower.
All writers share one world-wide fear, the 'no'. Nothing is more horrifying than having your work of art rejected. The reality is, all writers will receive a rejection. Your story is not for everyone, but that does not mean you don't put it out there. Not everyone will love your work as you do, but being willing to hear 'no' puts you in a position to keep writing and publishing anyway. Making the choice to keep trying to get your work out there is powerful. Not only is it powerful, but it is a must. The reason why, as I mentioned before, is because your story is meant for someone. You may get rejected from a publisher here or there, but I promise you that there are people out in this vast world that need your story. If you listen to the word 'no', you are taking away the change that someone needs. Standing tall with a mic in your hand helps release the fear of rejection. So look into the eyes of those ready to hear what you have to say and show no fear.
4. Take advantage of the supportive environment.
When the audience members browse their local events near them and they sign up for the next poem or fiction open mic, their reason is to come to support you. Those who love the arts get excited when they see others living their dreams. People who attend open mic events are excited to see someone be authentic and artistic. Artists support artists. There's no better way to gain your confidence than being surrounded by people who came to cheer you on. Think about the rush of relief you will feel as you start to see heads nodding along or transfixed by what you have created. Fearing the no becomes a quieter concern in the back of your mind when you are surrounded by loving energy. The best thing a writer or a lover of a story can do is support other writers, and that's exactly what an open mic is all about. Open mics can be intimidating, but when you break down the purpose of an open mic, it is actually a safe space for writers of all kinds of topics to express their hearts and souls.
The truth is, you owe yourself the confidence that you are what readers are looking for. You have the power to make someone's day or to even change their lives. You may never know the impact you can have on someone's life, but the worst thing you can do is tell yourself 'no'. Spread your art with your head high. Afterall, the audience came with an open mind. So open yours to where you see no limitations. The mic is yours now.