The art of reading

Oh, my darling, Literacy! Readers! Writers! Calling all lovers of words!.

Although all good things must come to an end, sometimes they simply morph. Such is the case with the monthly open-mic reading group Reading Words that has enthralled and stimulated literary Osaka for the past year. This Feb 25th will see the last monthly installment before it changes into a seasonal format. Kansai Scene caught up with the organizers, Amanda Hare and Jerry Gordon to find out more.

KS: How did Reading Words start?

RW: Well, I (Amanda) used to be part of an open-mic group in Toronto and wanted to start something here. I contacted a well-connected friend to find out if anything like this was happening. It wasn't, so he put me in touch with Jerry and Reading Words (RW) was born.

KS: What has running the event been like?

RW: It takes a few hours every month to place ads and maintain our blog and email the group-and of course run the event itself-but it has been a labour of love. There are some amazing writers and artists in Kansai, so we tried to bring them together. We have featured a visual artist's work each month and seen writers from almost every genre attend.

KS: How do you find the artists and writers?

RW: Jerry has found most of the artists and they've been excited to show their work. As for writers, we have put ads in local magazines, online and we also send out a monthly announcement to our mailing list.

KS: What has been the most difficult part of the event? What has been the best part?

RW: Finding a good venue was tough. We finally found Vade Mecvm in Hommachi, which is ideal as they let us meet there after hours on Sunday nights. There's no bar noise or music to compete with. It's a great spot. Hearing such amazing, creative writing has got to be the best part. Also, we have been able to meet great people and become friends. It's nice to have a social scene of ideas and creativity.

KS: Has RW been a success?

RW: I think so. It's been different each month. We had a few ‘intimate' months with only a small number of people, but most months have been well attended. And, each month has brought out new faces and some amazing literature.

KS: Why are you changing to a seasonal format?

RW: Well, it's kind of tiring to put it on month after month. It's been fun this year, but we hope a once-per-season reading will give the event more energy. After Sunday, February 25th we'll have a reading in spring, probably in May. People can join our email list. We'll send them all of the details about future events.

KS: What will you miss about the monthly events?

RW: Seeing all of the great people and hearing all of the great writing. There are some people we only get a chance to see at the events so that regular social aspect will be missed. The monthly events are really inspiring too. They help you write something new or polish something old, or find something in a book to read. Listening to other readers is highly entertaining as well. And, of course, getting stuff from the book swap. The list could go on and on if you'd let us!

Text: KS • Photos: Rocky Femia