As my first attempt of speaking in public a certain amount of nervousness is certainly part of the night. An ACFWGreatLakes member, Judy Eick, presented a way of looking at my biggest fear.
Preparation: 1 Peter 1:13, “Therefore, preparing your mind for action and being sober minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Practice: Philippians 4:8-9, (Written by Apostle Paul) vs. 9 “What you have learned and received, and heard and seen in me practice these things and the God of peace will be with you.”
Presentation: 11 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
So when I prepared to storm the bookstores, I memorized my first sentence, “I’m an Ann Arbor author.” After seeing my advertisement on the second page of the New York Times Review, I laminated the page and gained a modicum of courage. I didn’t realize I was speaking to the Event Planner when I whipped out the laminated sheet, but I think she was impressed. Also both books sport my photographs of Ann Arbor sites, the University of Michigan’s Paleontology Museum and the Ann Arbor City Club.
The result is an empty 30 person room I hope to fill by sending out 100 postcards to Michigan authors and Ann Arbor friends. I’m bringing 30 plus books. Two book covers printed on four-by-two foot canvasses will be in the bookstore’s front window. Also Crazy Wisdom sends their calendar to 4,000 inmates of Ann Arbor.
My feet are in the fire, the fates will reveal my future.
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September 30, 2015, you’re invited to Rohn Federbush’s first reading from Separation Anxiety at the Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, 414 Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. As advertised in Sunday, August 23rd New York Times Book Review page two, “The final horror began the first week of the winter semester. Who knew three of Curtain Taylor’s university friends would lose their young lives to a serial killer within the year? Separation Anxiety thrills murder-mystery and crime-fiction lovers!”
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Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
I’m sure you will be great! I always get really nervous before talking even in front of the parents at school, but once you start, the passion for what you do takes over! Knock em dead!
I’m practicing with my husband this morning after breakfast.
Wow, good advice, excellent exposure, and your nerves are settling. Good luck 🙂
Thanks, Donna.