We’ve all found our writing voice, but what about the voice that shouts to the world – “I want to tell you about my book.” Recently I received an email from the director of a local adult education program inviting me to speak at one of their Meet the Authors sessions.
I always have to stop and remind myself - I am an author and qualified to speak on a range of topics related to writing.
Last year I was part of a panel at a local community college. I spoke about my personal writing experience. The director of that program suggested me to the director of the adult education program. I read the email and had to stop and think ... who me?
So, I’ll pack up my confidence, my books, and an outline (which I’ll try to stick to). I will offer my insight on the struggles of moving from rejected to published. I assume most of the audience will be aspiring authors. They may find it impressive that my third book, Chocolate Magic is scheduled for April 2010. I’m personally still in shock.
I’ll put on my best professional face and use the stages from The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogel to show the progression of my writing career. Like our heroes we take that first step out of our ordinary world in order to pass into the world of a writer. Don’t we all stop occasionally to question the journey? We meet mentors and villains and have a few black moments before we get the letter that makes the journey worth the effort.
I find that I have a lot to say, once I start speaking. Don’t we all. We have struggled and succeeded. Sharing our experiences with others who aspire to do what we have done isn’t so bad.
Do you accept speaking requests? What do you speak about?
visit my website www.zeldabenjamin.com I'm also on facebook
4 comments:
I feel like you've just looked inside my head and written about me. Good for you for going beyond your comfort zone and telling the world about your books. I, too, accept speaking engagements and when I do, I try to break the whole process down into small, manageable steps. Especially when I talk to young people about writing, I remind them that every book in every library in the world started out as an idea in someone's head.
Very good luck with your talk! I've discovered that library audiences do enjoy this topic. You'll be terrific!
Sandy - I like your last comment. I might just quote you.
Jane- Thanks for the encouraging words.
I like to talk to groups, though I'm always so nervous just before I start that I'm shaking in my shoes. But as soon as I start, it gets better. I find that asking questions at the beginning is a great way to create sympathy - you could ask them if they have ever started a book too - and then, if they have ever finished it - and then take it from there. Good luck!
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