Open mics are an incredible opportunity for poets and writers to share their work, get instant audience feedback, practice for readings, listen to what others are writing, and to build community. The International Women’s Writing Guild (IWWG) hosts their free-to-attend All Voices Open Mic twice a month including a feature reader. All women-identified writers are welcome to sign up for a 3-minute reading slot following the feature on a first-come-first served basis. There are usually 20 slots open, and a waiting list.

In December, I’m leading their fundraising campaign to keep this important free programming available. IWWG, founded in 1976, does so much for the international women’s writing community. Please support if you can. Every donation helps, no matter how big or small and will be matched by a generous sponsor, automatically doubling any contribution. Please spread the word and share with your writerly friends!

Click here to sign up for the open mics

Click here to contribute

As someone who has conducted hundreds of interviews with literary magazines, journals, and presses with a focus on sharing information on how to write, publish, or participate in the larger poetry community, I know the importance of reading your work. Whether published or not, the Open Mics give women writers the opportunity to be heard on a global platform where they can share readings in a supportive environment. The online chat is always rich with congratulatory and positive feedback for all readers, building confidence and community. These events are such a RICH experience. I felt so grateful to be a part of it, to be part of this community.

Each Open Mic features an interview with a well-known poet, fiction or nonfiction author and readings from the guest author’s work. Reknowned authors hosted on the IWWG Open Mic series have included Nina Shengold, the first Native American Poet Laureate Joy Harjo and coming up Tina Barry and Jerrice Baptiste. Click here for a list of upcoming Open Mic events.

These free events raise the decibel of women’s voices from around the globe. The funds being raised will cover the costs of producing the Open Mics for one year. Whatever you can give will help IWWG continue the series.

IWWG is a network for the personal and professional empowerment of women through writing. Their mission is to encourage women to tell their stories, provide support and instruction as they seek to improve their craft, open avenues for them to bring their writing into the world, and build their confidence.

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