How to Get a Gig

I’ve been a musician a short while, but I’ve been performing, giving talks/workshops and crafting my brand for over a decade. If you want a paying music gig, almost the same rules apply for seeking professional speaking opportunities, which include having a strong...

How Irish Dance Helps Me Get Out of My Own Way

As a kid, I did ballet and tap, but I wasn’t one of those girls who wore a bun at school or who did pliés while waiting for class to start. Back then, ballet and tap didn’t feel hard at all. I loved the once-a-year recitals because of the costumes, makeup, hair and...

How to Read Your Poetry Like a Rock Star

Have you ever considered reading a poem at an open mic or at a luncheon, formal occasion or at church—poetry creates meaning from a sometimes meaningless world. You can either recite the poem or read it. Poetry can also inspire others to act and to change their...

10 Open Mic Do’s and Don’ts

I’ve had the pleasure of leading literary open mics in my writers’ community in Raleigh since 2009. After a few years’ break, I co-host the monthly Main Street Rag Raleigh Reading Series at So & So Books in downtown Raleigh a block from the historic Krispy Kreme....

How to Be Authentic

On Saturday morning I played my guitar and sang at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market for two solid hours. This was my first gig at the farmers’ market and I have four more already scheduled. It was a blast and next time I’ll even make sure the battery in my guitar...
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