I first wrote about the importance of “hearing” what we read in my July 28, 2013 post, Test-Driving Books—On the Road. Since July 2015, my BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ events have been taking booklovers on some of those test drives. It’s a great way to decide which literary rides to hop on. Here’s why:

We tend to think of creative writing as something to read, to ingest through the eyes. But most of us hear voices in our head when we read. Our brains translate what our eyes see into words we hear internally.

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 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 neighborhood bookstores. Sometimes venues require a reservation and a fee – a secluded room in a restaurant, a literary conference or an arts retreat. BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ was created to provide a very accessible, convivial way for readers to meet authors and hear about their books as well to enjoy sample readings.

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, your library’s schedule of events, your neighborhood independent bookstore’s newsletter, literary periodicals that carry event news, or simply Google “author readings”. Those in the greater Chicago area can check out BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ by following the weekly Book.ed Blog, checking the Book●ed website (click on the BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ tab), or liking Book●ed on Facebook.

BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ kicks off Season 2 on April 25th, from 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Food and Wine, 1506 West Jarvis, Chicago. Our featured author is Susanna Calkins with her hot-off-the-press A Death Along the River Fleet (Minotaur/St. Martin’s Press). The Book Bin will have books for sale on site and fabulous wines will be poured. Lots of other goodies will be offered. You can read more about BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ on the Book●ed Blog post of March 13, 2016.