Read it Loud: Beijing Writers Exchange Words
It’s time to get out the old pen and notepad, this spring’s first open reading for Beijing writers is on Saturday and the call for submissions is out.
What is this?
The open reading for Beijing writers is a non-exclusive group for beginner and novice writers to gather and share their work. They meet at The Vineleaf just off Wudaoying hutong, order drinks and make friends before taking turns to read their work out loud. The reading is followed by a friendly Q&A and feedback session and more drinks.
How to join?
Anyone is welcome. Pieces of writing are submitted to founder Karen Runge by midnight the day before. The work is collected into a beautiful hand-illustrated journal of which copies will be given out at the end of the session. Curious observers are welcome to listen, but submissions are encouraged.
What kind of writing are we talking about here?
Pretty much anything under 1500 words is acceptable. Writing levels and styles vary wildly. These excerpts from previous events are good examples of what to expect:
Angels Drink Martini by Karen Runge
All I had clear in front of me was the hazy steam-washed street, dim headlights, and then her, running across my path, a sudden flash-blur of little girl in red coat and white sneakers, her face frozen for an instant in front of me, right before I heard that hellish bang and felt the crushing jolts of her body tumbling through my tyres.
Did I tell you, though, that I could have sworn she was smiling? That in that terrible moment when my eyes locked to hers through the speed and rain-washed darkness, it seemed for an instant that she was grinning at me?
Exhale by Dwain Worrell
The tide was coming in. The waves coiled up like conch seashells and crashed against the tattered figure on the shore. He yielded his body to the water in an unwilling tango with the waves, thrashing as they came in, swaying as they receded and each time sinking in the rising tide. But wrapped in those waves he knew he couldn’t lie still forever. He knew eventually the tide would swallow him whole and he would have to move, paddle, breathe for survival and yet he wouldn’t dare. Because if he didn’t lie there as if he were dead, they’d kill him.
Illustration: Anthony Russo
The third open reading for Beijing writers takes place this Saturday, April 6 at The Vineleaf. Submit your pieces by email to blue.gilded.cage@gmail.com.
For more creative writing on the Beijinger, take a look back at our Beijing in 150 Characters short story contest.
