My First Public Speaking Appearance as a Writer

Two weeks ago I sent off several paperback copies of THE KNOWERS to friends. While I was inquiring about the media rate, the postal worker looked at the packages, and then to me.

“Are you the author?” she asked.

“Why yes,” I replied, stunned. “How did you know?”

It’s not like she saw the cover of the books and my name on them. I brought the books in already snug in their waterproof envelopes.

“I saw it on the internet,” she explained.

The internet? She must have ‘liked’ The Looking Glass on Facebook and read Kim Longacre’s post that THE KNOWERS is available at her shop. At least this is the story my mind concocted on the spot.

And that was my first – and only, to date – public acknowledgement as a writer.

Sabrina, our local (and wonderful, I might add) children’s librarian asked me to participate in the library’s annual Christmas Open House by doing a book signing of my novel.

Okay – Martin is small. I mean 10 thousand people small. How many people do I expect to be at my presentation and signing? 10? Yeah, I’d be happy with 10.

Honestly, the number of people attending is irrelevant to me. If it’s only my husband, mom, and fellow writer Lisa, I’d consider it a success!

And yet, I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. I have all month! That Sabrina 1) read my book and 2) gave me a ½ hour slot to talk about it … I still feel speechless. When she asked me, the excitement, the rush, the smile plastered on my face as I think about that call. I’m simply verklempt.

It’s the same amazing feeling when a friend (recently Lana, Victoria, my sister Melinda) tells me how much they liked the book. What an absolute and unexpected blessing.

I admit, I’m a bit infatuated with my own book!

So I find it curious this chance to talk about THE KNOWERS has left me tongue-tied. It’s not because I’m afraid of public speaking. I’ve been teaching since 1997 and lecture to an average of 200 students a couple of times a week.

I don’t know the art of the tease. How do I say just enough, without saying too much, to motivate the audience to read THE KNOWERS for themselves? I’m afraid of getting in the readers’ way. I want to recede and let the story take over.