Just as touted in my all-time favorite book, The Alchemist, when you pursue your life-long dream, the universe conspires to help you. As soon as got the idea to organize a monthly cultural event, the Austin Writers Roulette, I found myself immersed among people who, in some capacity, could help me achieve this goal.
I quickly got a business partner to help me with the design and social media. I secured a location and then started recruiting writers to participate. I immediately found writers at parties, art openings, at capoeira, in clubs and just this morning, at the yoga studio.
These people have always been here. I’ve just not been paying attention, especially when other people are talking and I just happen to be in the near vicinity. Some may call it eavesdropping, but there’s no reasonable expectation of privacy whenever people have a conversation in public. I just politely introduce myselfand let the writer(s) know about my event.
Every writer who I’ve spoken with thinks I’ve got an interesting event idea, but there’s a distinct mixed reaction about the opportunity to read. Some jump on board and are ready to perform. Others are very interested, but want to watch to see how the event goes first. As much as I’d like to have submissions in advance to choose from, I see that this first show may turn out to be a play-by-ear event. I’ll prepare for as much as I can, but the rest is out of my hands. Both exhilarating and maddening at the same time!
Nonetheless, I’m so grateful that I will have two shows before school begins in order to get my event together. I’m sure that it’ll take more than two shows before I’m a seasoned event promoter and organizer, but it’s a start.
Even little things, such as typing people’s information into a list on my cell when they don’t have a business card, is a vast improvement. I lamented to my business partner that I’d given my card to several writers who had not emailed me yet so I could send them the information. My idea was to keep a post-it note and pen on me at all times so I could have them write down their information. She emailed me back that I should keep a list on my cell. Brilliant! I already keep a list of books, movies, groceries and paintings, so why not a list of writers? At least this way, I don’t have to wait on them in order to give them the information.
My goal is to get everything all set up as far as the logistics and people before I go out of town in two weeks. As many things that I’ve figured out so far, I’m banking on the fact that the upcoming weeks will be just as productive.