I’m just going to say this, in case there’s anyone who hadn’t picked up on it: I’m an introvert.
Beyond that, I’m also shy and socially awkward, and I’m non-confrontational to the point where introducing myself to someone or asking for something over the phone sends me hightailing it for the hills.
So when a lovely woman from the library board called me and asked whether I’d be interested in doing a live reading from my books during our town’s winter carnival, the answer was obvious.
“Of course!”
I mean, I started a YouTube channel so I could get more comfortable with speaking, didn’t I? And I have to get out there and do these things if I ever want to expand my comfort zone (or at least get used to stepping outside of it).
So yeah, I agreed. And then I freaked out, second-guessed myself, prayed for a blizzard, and hid my head in the sand before actually thinking to ask for help from people who do this a lot.
Thanks to help from those lovely people and readers who helped me choose passages to read, I survived. And I decided to pass along their fine advice and tips in a video, just in case anyone else can use it. 🙂
(here’s the link in case you can’t see the embedded video)
disregard the prologue 
February 17th, 2017 at 12:15 am
I have been in small writing groups where we engage in writing exercises and then read to the group at the end of the session. It took me a long time to get used to that and I still don’t like it.
The idea of doing a “reading” in front of strangers? Gasp. No.
February 17th, 2017 at 12:15 am
I should have added … kudos to you, of course. If I ever publish something else again, I have accepted that this is something I will have to do. Sigh.
February 19th, 2017 at 10:15 am
It was pretty scary, but I’m glad I did it. Exposure is the best way to get past the fear, so I consider this a small step. 🙂