Writing is solitary work, but that doesn't mean you're in this alone.

Writers' Night Out is an open mic reading event for prose writers of all experience levels and genres to read their work in front of a supportive and fun audience.

2nd Tuesday Every Month. Mac's at 19 Broadway, Fairfax. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Featured author, Molly Giles, reads to an appreciative audience.

Open Mic Readings

Share your work in a supportive environment. Connect with other writers, at all experience levels, and meet local authors. Our readers work in all prose genres and types: fiction and non fiction, essays and novels, memoir and travel. Discover something new or introduce the world to your secret passion! Inspire and be inspired!

Scroll down for tips on How to be A Great Reader!

 

 

Featured author, Simona Carini, center, with the WNO steering committee

Meet Local Authors

We host a featured local author each month and they come ready to mix and mingle!

After the author's reading, there is a Q&A session where you can ask anything writing-related. There's plenty of opportunity to chat with our authors and other readers as well. Writers' Night Out is a great way to build your writing community.

Go to our Featured Local Authors page for more information about our featured local authors.

 

Writers chat and make new friends before the Open Mic readings begin

Mac's at 19 Broadway, join us on the patio!

A Fun Evening

Mac’s at 19 Broadway, Fairfax, is Marin County’s most happening music and event venue! Drinks, music, fun people, great writing—the recipe for a grand evening!

 

Our Contact page has the complete address and map of our venue. 

 

Our Purpose

Founded in the vibrant and creative community of Marin County, CA, Writers' Night Out provides a venue to share each other's writing---yes, yours!---with a supportive, fun, and inspiring community.  

Stories from the heart, an appreciative audience, drinks in hand, things will go wrong. Come join the fun.

How to be a Great Reader

  1. Practice 
    Read your work aloud at home to a friend, family member (pets count!), or even in the mirror. 
  2. Keep it Simple
    Paper clips or staples? Hard copy or or phone? You know yourself best; when you practice in the mirror, use the same copy you'll be reading from and work out any kinks. While we recommend paper printouts with a large font, clearly numbered pages, and no staples, reading from a phone or even a laptop works well for some of our readers. Do what works best for you. 
  3. Timing is everything 
    We are thrilled to have so many readers! The downside is that we only have five minutes for each of you. Time yourself! Usually five minutes is good for about 750 words. We'll let you know if you go over. 
  4. Step right up
    It's true, you gotta "eat" the mic. Get right up close and speak in your normal beautiful voice. Help the mic help you by staying centered on it. To be clear, your lips shouldn't be touching it, but it should look like they're about to. 
  5. Jump right in 
    If you take two minutes to explain what your story is about, you've got three minutes left (see Tip # 2). The audience needs only the basics, whether it's fiction or nonfiction, and maybe the setting. We don't need to know everything that has come before to want to know more about your story.
  6. Enjoy Your Moment! 
    It's okay to be nervous! We're always so glad to hear your stories. Thank you for sharing them with us!
The audience listens to an open mic prose reading

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I participate in the open mic readings?

Open mic reading is open to all, but prose is preferred. Slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-ups start at 5:30 p.m. Readings start at 6:00 p.m. You will have a five-minute slot, which equates to about 750 words. Please practice. Long-winded readers will be be asked to buy a round of drinks!

Who can attend?

Writers' Night Out is for anyone over the age of 21, due to our venue being a bar. Experienced writers, newbies, supportive friends, like-minded individuals, and anyone interested in expanding their literary circle are all welcome. If you know how to appreciate a well written story, and you are 21 & over, you are welcome here! 

N.B. We are working on ways to include younger writers in our events and will post updates here!

What can I expect at an open mic reading?

This is an evening of open mic readings, which begins with a reading by a featured local author, in a bar in Fairfax! This is the recipe for a fun night out! If you want to engage in the lively scene of creative writing in Northern California, this is a great place to start.

Do I need to pay for a ticket?

No! There is no charge nor ticket needed for participating in WNO. We ask that you patronize the bar or order a pizza from Ghiringhelli's to be delivered straight to you on the patio. But there is no requirement to spend any money at all. Just bring yourself, your attention, and hopefully a story to share!