Saint John Voices

READ YOUR STUFF — FIND YOUR VOICE

Prose – Poetry – Book Excerpts – Short Stories – Rap Flows – Monologues – Essays

• 7 Minutes per reader

• Featured Published Reader

• Musical Guest with original songs (songs need writing too!)

• Optional feedback from a panel of experts

• Merch Table full of local authors

What, When, Where

WHAT: This is NOT a competition. It’s a supportive space where writers of all ages can present their work on stage to an audience and get instant feedback (if they choose). It is an inclusive, diverse, and kind environment that understands writers aren’t performers. An important part of finding your voice as a writer is hearing your written words and getting feedback.

WHEN: The Last Sunday of Every Month

Signup at 6pm

Show is 6:30-8:30pm

WHERE: WASTED DAY BREWERY

36 Water Street, Saint John, NB

Advice for Readers

If you wrote it on the day of the show, the piece isn’t ready. Work on it and save it for next time.

Practice in front of the mirror. Focus on flow, breathing, and enunciation.

Use your natural voice, not a reading voice or a character voice (unless it’s a monologue).

Time your piece. Wait. Time it again. Note: The stage might make you rush or freeze. Pacing will help you relax.

Write for the reader, not for the stage.

Rules

RULES FOR READERS

No Plagiarism (Original works written by the presenter only)

No Hate Speech (violent or exclusionary rhetoric against a single group, culture, or religion)

No Explicit Sexual Violence (no explicit depictions of rape, incest, or sexual exploitation)

No Political or Religious Propaganda (this is not the place to run for office or give a sermon)

RULES FOR THE EXPERT PANEL

Be Kind (accept that readers are neither professional nor experienced)

Be Helpful (try to focus on technical issues rather than content)

Be Concise (offer a single actionable take away that will improve the piece)