Monday, January 14, 2013

It Will Be All Right, Or- How to Overcome Fear of Author Events


I thought that since I am now the Grand Maven of Authorly Events, having just had my very first book reading/talk/signing party, I can bestow some wisdom for all who think about this and need advice. Obviously I’m jesting here, (just a little) because you’d want to hear from the uber-experienced on this. But it gives me a way to prattle about mine.
If you’re not shy, you might be looking forward to these. It’s a different ballgame for us shy persons. We have serious doubts we will even survive and live to tell the tale.

What are the greatest fears Authors have when thinking of Author Events?
Fear number one: No one will show up.
Here’s what happened –
Fear number two: I won’t be able to open my mouth, and if I do, no sound will come out.
Here’s what happened:
didn't lose my voice or my place, and they laughed and even gasped a little.
 
Fear number three: I won’t enjoy it at all.
Here’s what happened:
Fear number four: No one will buy the book or ask me to sign it.
Here’s what happened:
This^
And this^
And plenty of that^.
----

Author is happy. Just go do it!







19 comments:

Anne M Leone said...

So pleased to hear it went so well, Mirka. Go you!

Evelyn said...

It looks like it was a wonderful event, Mirka! I'm so happy for you and I'm so happy for all those lucky people who got to hear you share your special book. I wish I could've been one of them.
Extra big hugs to you!

Kelly Hashway said...

Congrats! It looks like you were a hit!

Barbara Etlin said...

Looks like you had a fun, successful event!

Thanks for the encouraging thoughts, for which I hope to have use some day.

Jaye Robin Brown said...

Hooray! So happy for you.

Jennifer said...

Yay, Mirka!! Congratulations! Look how much fun you had. :)

Diane Kress Hower said...

Congratulations Mirka. You look great, relaxed, and just like you should be, a confident author. Thanks for sharing. I wished I had been there.

Anonymous said...

You are a natural! Seriously, from one shy person to another, it looks like you and your book were a smash hit, and your smile suggests you had fun! If you do an East Coast tour, be sure to let me know!

Tina Cho said...

Lovely photos! Looks like you had a terrific time! Thanks for sharing your experience! Wish I could have been there!

Anonymous said...

All yesterday afternoon I kept looking at my watch and converting to Pacific time and thinking, "Is it time for Mirka's party to start now?" And then the next time I looked, it was over with! I'm so glad it went well and that you have wonderful pictures!

Christina Farley said...

Fabulous! Loved the pictures. Looks like it was a complete success.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Wonderful!! I love the pictures!

Vijaya said...

Looks like a marvelous time was had by all. Way to go!

Ann Stampler said...

Good for you, Mirka!!! It looks like a great event, lovely photos, and I wish I could have been there!
Best,
Ann

Cherie Colyer said...

Looks like you had a wonderful event. Congrats!!

Amy D said...

Looks like great fun, Mirka! Congrats!

BarbaraB said...

Mirka, I'm glad none of your fears came true; you appear to be having a grand time. And the people who attended also. I'm sure they're enjoying reading your book.

Ruth Schiffmann said...

Oh, Mirka, I'm so glad this went well. It looks like you had a wonderful time and a hearty turnout. Yay!!
As a fellow shy person, I'd say you got all of those fears right. So happy you overcame and disproved them =D

Marcia said...

Yay! Glad it went so well. Love the pix!