So tonight I have a reading gig at a place called the Jade Lounge in downtown Portlandia. I have known about this for the last month or so, but finally decided to get things ready. It is a 20 minute set....and I know I have brought way more than I need, including the chapbook....and I tend to time myself the night before to give me a good idea of how much to bring, especially so I don't go over my time.

I put everything off til today, but that is neither here nor there. Usually, I allow myself one beer, before a gig...and maybe one during, if it is in an establishment that serves booze. I have to keep my throat wet after all. Then, I start shaking and tapping my feet...and fingertips, reading and rereading my work...until the time I begin.

Then, my hands shake the whole time I read. However, I do not let it affect my performance, I let my voice shout, or whisper loudly, depending on what the occasion demands.

My question is what rituals do you take before you perform? Do you still have fright after all this time? How do you cover it up?