IWSG—Insecure Writers Support Group, coming together on the first Wednesday of every month for a virtual pat on the back. Look around you at a social gathering. I am the one in the corner with a book or playing on my smart phone.
Who is that person sneaking into Wal-mart at the ungodly hour of 8 am? That would be me. And don’t believe the rumor that I blacken my face and wear camo gear. It simply isn’t true. For the most part.
So how did I find myself speaking to a bunch of middle school kids about writing? Giving interviews to newspapers? Offering a presentation to the Missouri Writers Guild?
It appears I have committed the grievous sin of walking down this writerly path and arriving at the intersection of Published and Author.
Promotions might start with the query, continue with the book cover and tours, but they don’t end with the book’s release. People, the ride down this hairy lane is only just beginning.
Introverts: get over it, cuz this is all a part of the ticket you bought when you wrote the manuscript.
Her website, Creative Penn, is a must for all writers. She is the author of other self-help books about marketing as well as the Arkane series of thrillers.
Somehow, I got through the ordeal of speaking in public with nary a scratch. Proving once again, that I am invincible!
Now where did I put that camo?
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Insecure Writers Support Group: The Final Frontier.
These are the continuing voyages of the Ninja Captain, AJC. His mission, to explore all new writing venues, to seek out new authors and new blogs.
To boldly go where no blogateer has gone before.
I need to read that book.
ReplyDeleteYou're right it doesn't end with the release of the book. That's actually the beginning.
I posted about my public speaking anxiety today. I definitely need to read this book! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great intersection to find yourself standing. I hope to be at the same one some day. But, um, I'll pass on the public speaking, thankyouverymuch!
ReplyDeleteElsie
AJ's wHooligan in the A-Z Challenge
co-host IWSG
You are invincible! You're my hero because you go way out of your comfort zone to get what you want and deserve--recognition for an amazing novel. BTW, I got my copy of Magic Withheld in the mail yesterday!
ReplyDeleteI've yet to speak in public about my writing. I've had 2 book signings, but said thank you and hope you like it. Recently, my daughter asked me to speak to her creative writing class and I said yes. Uh-Oh...I hope my tongue doesn't go into knots...
ReplyDeletepractice while driving. That really helped me. Just don't run off the road. Or miss your stop like I did.
DeleteI LOVE Joanna! One day I'm going to get out and be a person, but not today. Today I'm writing. =) Way to go with your writerly/public endeavors, and here's a wedge of cheese for facing your fears!
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up! I hope you solve your introvert problem or at least find your camo gear. lol
ReplyDeleteHah! Awesome. You, my friend, are a kindred spirit (appropriate since your blog is named Spirit Called *raises eyebrow*). I almost never talk at public gatherings. It usually makes people wonder whether or not I'm having fun. I love your attitude and delivery.
ReplyDeleteThat's the spirit! Glad you're pressing onward despite the fears.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe how terrified I was to speak publicly a few short years ago. I love it now. I still get a bit nervous but it passes quickly, if I am prepared:)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
doreenmcgettigan.com
It does get easier though, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI am comfortable in smaller groups. Large groups start to make my eye twitch and I thoroughly loathe microphones. So far I have turned down anything that will require a mic. Fortunately (or unfortunately!) those offers have been few and far between.
ReplyDelete