Tomorrow I drive an hour and a half to my first speaking engagement. I knew this day would come. The day when I couldn’t just hide behind my computer screen. The day when I would have to take my writing on the road and share everything I’ve learned as a writer so far. And sell books.
Problem is I’m an introvert at heart. Yes, those who’ve met me at a conference might want to argue this point, but I’m not one to crave the spotlight or get up and speak to a group, though I am capable and have been known to do both. Yes, even sometimes I confuse myself with my introvert-extrovert tendencies!
I guess I don’t mind speaking when I’m passionate about the topic. And writing is one thing I’m passionate about, but WHAT could I possible speak on? As a creative writing teacher to grade schoolers and teens, I know how to talk to them. Practically anything I say is brilliant. But to a room of my peers? What could I offer that they haven’t heard before?
Then I remembered I have years of speaking material on my blog. Just this year I learned how to cut my WIP from 56,000 to 21,000. Surely, I could teach others how to do the same. So I will, tomorrow!
The thought of speaking to a group may terrify some, for me, it’s just a necessary progression of this writerly life. Others like me, just have no idea how to start the speaking phase of their career. To you I say, you’re already speaking and people are listening.
Search your blog archives. Find the subjects people respond to. They could be on the craft or simply encouragement in the writing life. Look at your written words in a new and fresh way. Maybe they weren’t just meant to be read. Maybe they were meant to be spoken!
