Open Mic

Our happy, talented Open Mic Readers

Our last Open Mic was Thursday, 20th October 2022

at the Smith Memorial Hall, Abbotsford Rd., Darnick TD6 9HA

Doors opened 7pm for 7.15 start

Highly successful Open Mic Evening

BWF Open Mic Evening

Where does inspiration come from? Well, to judge from the Open Mic evening at the Borders Writers Forum, it can come from almost anywhere. We were treated to readings of poetry, short stories, memoir, flash fiction and the prologue from a novel due for imminent publication.

Inspiration for these writings had come from nature – not only the beauty and peace of our local landscape but also a hungry ostrich; history, where delving into family history provided explosive revelations and also a new female perspective on the Battle of Hastings; the benefits and perils of technology where it is possible to track down lost items that bring back memories, but provide no hiding place for secret liaisons; and politics with a poem about a bold plan which brought us right up to date on the Conservative Party roller coaster. Last, but not least we learned a new word – “Puggies” from family holidays in seaside arcades.

A great evening for all who take joy from working with words.

Open Mic showcases local writers’ prose and poetry and celebrates the spoken word.

These events, which have been held in Kelso, Peebles, Jedburgh, Melrose, St Boswells and Hawick, are open to non-members as well as a listening audience. They are free to BWF members and visitors pay £5. Refreshments are available at a suggested donation of £2. Cash on the night please.

Reading slots are timed to last five minutes (around 700 words of prose). In preparation for the Open Mic, participants are advised to time the work they wish to read. For further details, click this link: A Friendly Guide to Open Mic Events for BWF Readers

To book a reading slot, call Hayley Emberey at 07923 129928 or email bwfhayley@gmail.com

Here are some delightful readings from some of our readers from our 2021 Festive Open Mic evening. Enjoy….

“The Camino” by Michael Hutchinson

Here are two excerpts from the first draft of a longer, unfinished piece.