Want to make March bearable? Get yourself to the weekend read.

Anyone who’s lived in New England for any amount of time knows March doesn’t have a lot to recommend it. Winter’s getting old, real old. Spring is nowhere close, even if you live in the relatively tropic climes of Connecticut or Massachusetts’ South Shore.
St. Patrick’s Day? Nah. Amateur night. March Madness? Too much basketball.
That’s why it’s the perfect month for the New England chapter of Sisters in Crime Weekend Read.
Each of the six New England states hosts an event. This year it’s the weekend of March 23-24. The premise is simple — members, both published and unpublished, read for about five minutes from a work in progress or new work. There’s no critiqueing, no voting or judging. It’s a feel good event. And that’s feel good for everyone, both the readers and the listeners.
At last year’s Maine event, many of those who attended brought their spouse or a a friend. We sat in a circle and not only read, but also talked about writing, our writing process, how great Maine is and all sorts of other stuff.
No one is under an obligation to read. Full disclosure: I really didn’t want to read last year, but I felt that since I was the host, I needed to do it or I had no right to expect anyone else to. Those of you who write know how connected we are to our work and how hard it is to put it out there in front of others. But why write if you don’t want others to enjoy it?
I’m glad I read last year, and I’m glad the others did, too.
Check out the Sisters in Crime website for details in your state. It’s not only for members, so be sure to tell your friends and family. It’s the best thing March has going for it.

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