If you haven’t already submitted your entries for the “My CREEP is bigger than your CREEP” contest, you have until Thursday at midnight. I have two ARCs to give away and one of them could be yours! Check back here Friday for the winners.
I’m starting to get excited for my trip to New York this July, where I’ll be attending ThrillerFest VI. I might be on a panel, and it also looks like I’ll be signing copies of CREEP, which will be part of the attendees’ gift bags. It’s freaking exciting but also kind of anxiety-inducing as well. I’m a naturally shy person, and I’m a much better writer than I am a speaker. And you know what my biggest fear is?
That nobody will care what I have to say.
There, I said it.
I know. I need to get over myself. I need to get out of my own damned way and just have fun with this. Because writing books is fun, no matter how much we stress, no matter how much we bitch, no matter how much we hate rejection. It’s still fun.
Because nobody in their right mind would do this if it wasn’t.
Are you having fun?
Of course people will want to hear what you have to say!
Silly.
Wish I could go. You'll have to tell us all about it.
Oh, I am having WAY too much fun, as if that is possible.
And don't worry, someone there will love and need EXACTLY what you say. So relax, sign some books, and of course… have fun!
BTW, I just realized how many "creeps" I have posted… I feel like I am the creep…er… now. hahaha
ooh, I'd be nervous, too. I look better on paper 🙂
I understand and can relate to your fear 🙂
Sounds like a fun trip, so in the end you have that going for you, which is nice. (Caddy Shack reference, sorry).
If you were not a bit nervous and jumpy I would think that was very strange. Keep your chin up, be who you are, and you will roll.
How exciting! And, yeah, anxiety inducing. But I bet you have a great time. I saw the line-up for ThrillerFest and wish I was going.
Ooo I love your new blog design! I'd be nervous too because I'm so shy when speaking in front of large groups. I'm sure you'll do great though!
Love the new site! You are totally allowed to be nervous… I felt the same way attending the very small conference in my town. But when it comes down to it, you'll do just fine.
Wish I were going to NYC!
Font issues solved, you are Da Bomb!
Well, I'll be there at ThrillerFest VI — so you better be nervous. Be very, very nervous! 🙂
Nah, just kidding! But I'll quickly say hi and have the book signed, if that's quite all right. And I'll definitely attend your panel to hear what you have to say. I'm sure you'll do A-ok!
David, you're going to ThrillerFest?! YAY!
Good luck and HAVE FUN!
Dude, they'll so totally want to listen to you. You're awesome.
"Are we having fun yet?" is usually something I say with a tinge of sarcasm when fun is nowhere in sight. In the tone of your question, though, when I look at the whole business of writing, I'm having fun. If I look at right now? Not so much, but this will pass. It always does. =o)
My rule of thumb for speaking in public: people attend to take away one or two "ah-hahs" and the rest is fluff. And the great thing? There is no wrong way to talk about anything to do with writing. We each have our own path and process. I think nerves will be your biggest issue and you'll surprise yourself by what you have to share. Have fun! Wish I was going to be there.
I get frightened by real life human interaction, too. It's scary! But, you'll do great! You've got something you're passionate about to share and that always makes it better. 🙂
I love your blog. I love your spirit. I love your book. Most of all I love you. I think you're fabulous and you're going to rock it out of the park.
That being said I know how it feels to prefer to be inside and writing then having several people staring at you waiting for you to speak on something you're not even sure you know what you're talking about. Yes, I'm talking about your novel. I irritate my husband to no end talking about my novel… then when given the opportunity to get to chat about it I have nothing to say?!
You can do this!!!!
Hi Jennifer,
Nice blog layout. I've been so busy with writing my A-Z Challenge posts that I feel like I have forgotten the rest of the world.
I just notice, it's sunny outside. Must get light…
As to your fear and anxiety…looks like you're human too! 🙂
It's not easy to speak in public at any time, but more so if you are naturally shy (not a problem of mine).
If it helps, just keep in mind you are the writer that people are coming to see – they are interested in what you have to say and they want to hear it.
Take a deep breath and just have fun…before you know it July will be over and you'll be travelling all over the place doing 'signings' and chatting up the crowds.
Happy thoughts, Jenny
You are going to do great on the panel! So exciting!
And I like your new layout. Change is fun!
You don't have a thing to be worried about, Jennifer.
One thing I've learned from the sales industry. You have to sell yourself first. And I don't think you will have a problem with that at all.
Plus, you already have the validation that your writing is good! Smile (build it) and they will come. (Buy your book and spark more word-of-mouth fire.)
Have fun and best to your continued success!
Am I in the right place???? It's so bright here…
Love the new look! And you are going to be AWESOME! Good luck!
And I think if anyone is writing and not having fun (and totally loving it), then it's time to stop because it will show in the words.
Aw, you guys are so supportive! I wish you were all going to NY with me!
That's so awesome. I don't think you have anything to worry about 🙂
Have FUN!!
Hey I like the new design, tho I *almost* didn't recognize you! LOL
Oh and you can print my avatar and take me to New York with you!