It's
the first Wednesday of the month, so you know what that
means ... it's time for another Insecure Writer's Support Group
meeting. IWSG was created by the awesome ninja captain Alex J.
Cavanaugh, and you can find out the other members of the group here.
Is it just me or do these first Wednesdays of the month come too quickly?
Back in February, I was on a panel about blogging at the 2013 Roanoke Regional Writers Conference. Although I was nervous, the panel went well, I think.
A couple months ago, I was asked to be on another panel. This time with the Virginia Writers Symposium, which will take place on Saturday, August 3 in Charlotteville, VA. You can find more information about it here. From 10:15-11:15, I'll be on a panel with two other people and a moderator. We'll be talking about the Nuts and Bolts of E-booking. I must admit I'm not too nervous about the panel this time around. For one, being on a panel before helped me know what it's like to be on one. For two, this panel is earlier in the day, so I'll have less time to get nervous. For three, I know a TON on e-books, so I feel much more confident in my knowledge and being able to speak about creating e-books.
What am I insecure about then?
From 2:45-4:30, they are having a Networking session. The panelists will be able to sell/sign their books at this time. True, I've signed some books for friends, giveaways, and a few I've hand-sold to my local writers' group, but I've never sat at a place and signed books with other authors. I have some print books (copies of The Nightmare Collection, Gravity: The Complete Trilogy, and The Best of Raven and the Writing Desk). I have business cards, and I created some beautiful bookmarks for The Foxwick Chronicles, since I won't have a paperback book of the collection until February 2014 (yes, People of Foxwick and Their Neighbors is coming). It's fine if no one buys books from me, but I'm worried no one will stop by to talk to me. Or worse, they will come by and talk to me! Yes, I can be worried about both. I'm rather shy and very awkward in person. True, get me on a topic I know a lot about, and I'll talk and talk and talk some more. But that doesn't take away my awkwardness and stumbling over words. Heh! That's why I write, people, because it's much easier to take my racing thoughts and produce them into something understandable--sometimes. But that's the part I'm nervous about.
Have you ever done a book signing? Been on a panel? Have any advice? What are your insecurities?
Also, Smashwords is once again having its Summer/Winter Sale. Through the end of July, you can purchase the ebook of Gravity: The Complete Trilogy and The Nightmare Collection for $1.50 using the coupon code: SSW50.
And I'll be slow visiting the blogs/commenting in July. I'm trying really hard to do well on my July goals, which means I'll likely be writing an average of 2500-4000 words a day. So the writing has to come first and then everything else as time allows. Sorry!!
45 comments:
That's a lot of words in a day!
The bookmark looks really awesome, Cherie.
I get nervous with in-person events as well. Just smile and fake it if you have to.
You'll do wonderfully! I understand your anxiety about the signing, but I bet you'll surprise yourself Your bookmarks are gorgeous, by the way. Good luck with your July goals!
I know exactly how you feel. Next year I am going to my first author event. Last month when registration opened, I panicked. I got so scared just over registration. It is terrifying, but I know once I do it, I'll be more confident about it.
Congrats. How wonderful!
Your insecurity I can well understand your fears, though i always say when you look forward to something it tends to be a disappointment and when you dread something it turns out better than expected, so go on dreading it and it'll be fine ;O)
How exciting for you! Where did you get your bookmarks made? I'm considering doing that as handouts while we're on our two month motorcycle trip.
Great #IWSG post, by the way.
Wow, that's a lot of words - I so wish I could have that goal and be abel to stick to it! :)
I love your bookmarks too. I think you will do great!
Those bookmarks are gorgeous!
Book signings are a lot of fun, and if there will be other authors there too, it will make it SO much easier. The thing to remember is, these are YOUR books, so when people talk to you, it will be on a topic you know loads about. And people WILL talk to you, I promise!
Oh my gosh - that is so exciting.
I would be terrified to if I had to talk to people. Let us know how it goes.
Excited for you. I have done book signings but not been on any panel.
Love the bookmarks! I would be very nervous too but I'm sure once you get there the signing will be a big success. Kudos to you for taking on these new experiences!
I completely understand the insecurity with public appearances. As much as I want to get the publication process going for The Labyrinth Wall, I think the scariest part of marketing will be anything in person, and yet I know it will be important.
I wish I had the perfect words to provide comfort. I will say, I know you will do great because you are such a kind person and it will shine through. Also, you are very talented and smart, so you've got nothing to worry about. I'm so excited for you. I hope the experience is fabulous :)
Those are awesome bookmarks!
Good luck with the networking session.
And 2500-4000 words per day? Whoa! That. Is. Amazing.
Writer In Transit
Write down a list of important facts -- publisher, book titles, sometimes the mind blanks. Ask the panel moderator for questions beforehand.
Good luck! Beautiful bookmarks by the way!
Loooooove the bookmarks... LOVE.
And I've never done any of those important/amazing things so I'm of no help! But knowing you, Cherie, you will rock the networking session.
Loving those bookmarks! Good luck on that massive word count. If anyone can do it though, it's most definitely you!
I get super shy around strangers so I can see where the anxiety comes from. Try to take a few breaths and remember that something you have in common with them is a love of books :)
I'd be nervous that no one will come whether or not I had a print copy of a book to sign. Good luck with your July goals.
Ha! I know just how you feel. I'd be bummed if no one showed up and terrified if they did. Either way, you should meet some interesting people. And good luck!
Stunning bookmarks, Cherie.
You'll be there with other writers, which will help a lot. I did my first at a street fair and was nervous. Didn't sell much, but I had a lot of fun. Pass out bookmarks and smile. Bet you have a blast.
Congratulations! How wonderful, you'll do nicely, you'll see!
Lovely bookmarks!
Nas
Yes, congratulations, and I've no doubt that you'll do well.
Am going to check out the sale!
Go for it 2500 to 4000 wow!
Good luck to all!
Book signings are fun, regardless of selling any copies. Getting your name out there is what's most important. Just bring swag and a smile!
Those are gorgeous bookmarks, Cherie!
I'm the kind of person who wouldn't want to have a table of my books just waiting to be snatched up by people. I'd die from fear of being ignored or having to talk to people. I'm so awkward, too. Good luck to you, though!
Gosh, I would love to be insecure about that. I'm afraid I've never had the opportunity. Congrats!
I'd be terrified of being on the panel, networking, talking to people, and of course, sitting there, pen poised, and not having one person stop to buy my book. So at least you're not insecure about half of those! I'm sure some fans will buy your books and talk to you. Have fun! :-)
I've never done a book signing, and I've never been on a panel.
Just the thought of it terrifies me. I wish you all the best with it...but I'm sure it'll be great.
And good luck with your word count goals. I'd be thrilled if I could write half that in a week.
i'm going to go and just push you aside and wear a wig that looks just like your hair and i got your back!! i'll do it! after the first couple of people it will come so easy to you and more natural!
The anxiety's totally understandable - it's always scary to do things we're unfamiliar with - but it's a chance for a bit of personal growth...and self promotion of course.
Just remember, the more times you do it, the less scary it'll be, and the more you'll be able to focus on the fun side of being on the panel.
I salute your goals Cherie. Lots of words. You have been very busy. I haven't any books to sign yet, but I really enjoy going to conferences or meeting authors and getting books signed. You'll be fine.
Some authors who don't have print books can still present some interesting material that lead to their ebooks.
Denise
That's scary but so exciting... you'll do an awesome job:)
Your bookmarks are beautiful! I think you are going to have so much fun at the networking session. Yeah, it's kinda scary for us introverted authors to do REAL LIFE events (!), but I've discovered that these things are never as scary as we think they might be ;-)
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
My biggest fear at a book signing is I'll misspell something, like the person's name! I have someone stand ahead of me, write down what the reader wants in the book and get that spelling correct.
As to panels, they're exciting. Usually, your fellow panelists spur you on to making some excellent contributions.
Good luck. I know you'll do a great job.
I'm shy, too, so I can relate really well to the Talk to me!/DON'T talk to me!!! feeling.
Those bookmarks are gorgeous!
Good luck with the writing. I'm in the same boat and trying to balance writing and blogging.
I used to do lots of book signings with Borders Books and Indie book stores. I refuse to do panels as there always seems to be one or two people on the panel who interrupt the other authors and try to dominate the event.
It's always better the second time around.
I've done a few book signings. They were better than I thought they would be.
Just keep telling yourself you're going to do great. It's nerve-wracking (I've only been on one panel, and I felt completely out of place; but my wife said I looked like I belonged up there -- she's great), but it'll be one of those experiences you look back on and will be glad you did it. And good luck with your daily word count goals!
Im not published, but im sure id have the same insecurities as you. Good luck at the conf. And with writing goals! Christy
Post a Comment