We tend to think of creative writing as something to read, to ingest through the eyes. But, as I wrote in last week’s blog, most of us hear voices in our head when we read. Our brains translate what our eyes see into words we “hear”.

Writing that is meant to be spoken (think of speeches) is approached a bit differently from writing that is expected to be read with the eyes. Speeches that sound good also read well. But what seems good in print doesn’t always sound good when spoken. You can test this yourself by picking up a handful of novels and randomly reading passages aloud. See if the writing holds up when you speak it.

The best writing, in my opinion, satisfies when read and spoken. This is why writers, especially of fiction, are advised to read their work aloud, either to others or in solitude. That exercise often turns up awkward, unrealistic dialogue, repetitive verbiage or other weaknesses that need improvement.

One way for readers to test the satisfaction quotient of a book before committing to it is to attend a reading by the author. Increasingly, authors are arranging readings from their latest book as a way to market their work. These events are usually free and open to the public — at the public library or a neighborhood bookstore. Sometimes venues require a reservation and a fee – a secluded room in a restaurant, a literary conference or an arts retreat.

Large or small, free or with a fee, bare bones or full menu, there are opportunities to hear authors read their work throughout the year. You can find out about these events by checking your community newspaper and your library’s schedule of events, your neighborhood independent bookstore’s newsletter, literary periodicals that carry event news, or simply Google “author readings”.

I attended a recent book reading hosted by Janes Stories Press Foundation (JSPF). Three poets and one memoirist read from their contributions to JSPF’s fourth anthology, Bridges and Borders. Hearing lilting rhythms of poetry and a lightly accented poignant memoir directly from the authors added much to my reading of this evocative book.

You can learn more about the women behind Bridges and Borders – creative oral histories, both real and imagined — and Janes Stories Press Foundation by watching my Book●ed interview with JSPF president Shobha Sharma who is also a co-editor of the anthology. This thoughtful half-hour, exploring how women from a variety of backgrounds view the world and express it through their unique, personal writing, becomes available starting Monday, July 29th at 8 PM (EST) at www.bookedwebcast.com.

The newest edition of Book●ed is shown on Watch Now and in the Archives, while all previous shows remain available in the Archives. And while you’re visiting the Book●ed website, check out the Book Excerpts page where you can purchase any book reviewed on my show. To find out more about JSPF visit www.janesstories.org.