2014 Open Mic Themes
Dear Writers,
The other day I went to a coffee shop and did nothing but drink coffee. Well, chai with soy to be precise. I didn’t go there to write or meet a writing friend, or even a non-writing friend. I just sat in a comfy chair and consumed my beverage. The entire experience was strange and unsettling.
<Absolutely no sensible transition here.>
Open Mics are the last Monday of each month at Village Books. Each writer gets 7 minutes to read. It’s a blast! Hope to see you there!
Here’s the preliminary themes for Open Mic at Village Books in 2014! These may adjust slightly as we get closer to the date, but no worries since they’re entirely optional anyway. But if you’re one who finds inspiration in themes, here you go:
Monday, January 27: Bring your poems and tales about making resolutions—or any creative work in progress.
February 24: Bring your original tales to celebrate (or castigate!) the month of love—or any creative work in progress.
March 31: Bring your musings about green cabbage, green fees, or greenhorns—or any creative work in progress.
April 28: Bring your poems and flash fiction to celebrate National Poetry Month!
May 26: Bring your written words honoring memories and history—or any creative work in progress.
June 30: Bring your written words about long, hot days; long, windy roads; or the occasional long-winded line—or any creative work in progress.
July 28: Bring your patriotic or political pieces—or any creative work in progress.
August 25: Bring your written words inspired by our wonderful Whatcom County—or any creative work in progress.
September 29: Bring your stories about fall, free falling, or freewheeling—or any creative work in progress.
October 27: Bring your spooky stories and poems—or any creative work in progress.
November 24: Bring your novel excerpts to celebrate National Novel Writing Month!
December: –No open mic–
Village Books invites everyone to enjoy local talents as they share their own stories, poems and essays. Published and unpublished writers are encouraged to attend and enjoy a welcoming audience. Bring your themed piece—or any creative work in progress. Open Mic is held the last Monday of each month at 7 pm in the Readings Gallery. Sign up at the main counter on the first floor or call (360) 671-2626. You can find Open Mic dates and themes on Village Books’ calendar or on my sidebar.
XO Laurel Leigh
Dear Writers 
What a wonderful schedule of events. Again, I wish I had wings.
Also, I have never, ever done what you just did. I have never gone to a coffee shop and sat just drinking coffee or chai. I think it may be high time I did, though. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks, Mary! We have had great fun with the themes–both in writing to them and ignoring them at will.
I found it hilarious to realize how much writing is a part of my coffee shop experience. I hardly knew what to do with myself without laptop in hand. But it was ultimately relaxing, especially during the pre-holiday rush. Achieving a personal victory, I had just mailed all of my Christmas presents and felt I deserved this little break.
If you do go to a coffee shop to actually just drink a beverage, please let me know how it goes — and if it feels weird!
XO Laurel Leigh
Hi Laurel,
Your post exemplifies a vision and a road map going forward for wannabe writers like yours truly. To be able to schedule such a thing is a great beginning.
Wish you all success.
Shakti
Hi Shakti,
Thank you for this note. There are a few successful open mics here in Western Washington and the one I emcee at Village Books has a longstanding tradition that pre-dates my involvement. A few years ago we added optional themes and people pick and choose whether they want to write to a theme or bring something else entirely.
If you haven’t been to or participated in an open mic, I hope you do so. It’s incredibly fun and a great way to meet other writers. If there isn’t an open mic in your area, then start one! All you need is a venue and a few people to start and word will quickly spread.
Thanks for reading my blog and good luck with your writing! It’s such a joyous endeavor, isn’t it?
Best . . . Laurel Leigh
I think it doesn’t need a transition. The “feeling” speaks volumes. 😀
Ha ha, thanks for letting me off the hook!