A Writer's First Speaking Gig

When I first signed on for this writing gig I had no idea that people would expect me to give speeches. I'm a solitary person. I like being home alone for long periods of time, in my make believe world with make believe people. So why would others assume I'm a public speaker?

When you give a speech the words just come out--you can't edit them to perfection like writing a book. You have to move on. I hate that. The thought of standing in front of strangers talking on a topic makes my stomach curdle and my stutter comes out. Singing--now that's something I can do. The words and melody are already set. I can handle that.

But if you want to be a successful author you have to get the word out about your books. NO one is invested in selling your books like you are. Your publisher is somewhat invested, but remember that they also have a lot of other books to sell. Not just yours. It can be a rude awakening for the shy, unassuming novelist to have to sit at a table and push books at strangers.

The thought that usually ricochets in my head is, "You don't have to buy my book. I understand if your house is too cluttered already or your budget is tight. Hey, I'm in the same boat!"

Some authors are more gifted at selling their work than others. But it's just the way things are so we have to learn to deal with it.

I remember my first "Reading" at a great little bookstore in Montgomery, Minnesota. Since I'd never attended another author's reading I was playing it all by ear. Then I saw this room FULL of spectators and it dawned on me--These people expect me to say something smart!

That's when panic set in.

I managed to get through, relying heavily on reading passages of my new book and taking questions from the audience. Since then I've started writing whole speeches, word by word, and editing it until I'm happy with the final speech. Having a script to rely on takes away much of the panic. I can rely on my text when the stutter wants to take over. I put key words in BOLD on my page so I'm not reading the whole time and then I practice over and over until I feel halfway confident. I'll never feel completely confident, I've discovered, because I'll always be that shy girl who prefers alone time.

More later,
Traci