Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to take something you’ve written and read it out loud. When the written word becomes the spoken word, a transformation occurs.

That’s the idea behind Women Reading Aloud (www.womenreadingaloud.org), the burgeoning group of women writers that gathers to take turns reading to each other, and listening.

On April 21 they will gather at a sumptuous home in New Vernon. In a room filled with art and light, surrounded by a labyrinth of garden, there will be a chance to talk, lunch, and finally, to break off in small groups and read out loud.

There are a few slots left for women who’ve written something—not necessarily published—to join. The day’s guest speaker is writer Jacqueline Sheehan, whose new novel, Lost and Found, (pre-order at www.amazon.com) is about to be released.

Organizer Julie Maloney believes that settings can be inspirational. She has written a book (still unpublished) using the chairs, couches, and seating in each stage of her life as benchmarks—literally. If you check out her on-line stationary store (www.mangopress.net) you’ll see some of this illustrated in living color.

Women Reading Aloud is a full-day event. A chance to enjoy the art of others, and share their stories. A rare day of single-media, in a multi-media world. Ear candy, to be devoured by wordsmiths who usually compose in silence.

Listen for a minute. You might hear something you like. It might even be something you wrote.