Picking Up and Dusting Off
So yesterday was my first attempt at a library event. I say attempt because no one showed up. Well, no one but the librarians who were off-duty at the time. So I had a grand total of two people, three if you count my camera-toting, awesomely supportive husband (which I totally think he counts). While I enjoyed chatting with the librarians for an hour, trying to give time for late-comers to appear, I'm not gonna lie: my pride is a little wounded. Not I'm-going-to-quit-trying devastated. Just wounded.
You see, I believe that God has given everyone certain gifts and talents and mine is storytelling. I'm not the best storyteller and there is plenty of room for me to improve. There always will be. But I am a good storyteller and I'm passionate about it. That's why a no-show library event isn't going to pull me down. At least, not down enough to quit. When you really want something, you have to really work for it. My parents taught me that. And my father was always good at reminding me that the things that are the most worthwhile are never easy.
That must mean that writing is definitely worthwhile because this has not been easy for a moment. I admit, I was nervous about asking the library if they'd be willing to host some sort event for me and my books. Our awesome librarians were thrilled and helped look for a date that we hoped would be enough between all the busyness to allow for attendance. I prepared with excitement and enthusiasm, eager to share my passion for writing and good books with our little community. My sweetie and I got a sitter to watch the kiddos so that I could discuss my books and answer questions without distraction from my cuties. We loaded up our book inventory and went to the library. Together we set out the books, prepared flyers for people wanting more information and got the room set up the way we wanted it.
And no one showed. The librarians were disappointed. I was disappointed. A lot of preparation had gone to waste and not just on my part, but on the library's as well. The librarians had set up the chairs and gotten tables out for me. They'd printed flyers and posted them at various businesses in town (I was beginning to feel like America's Most Wanted!). They even got an announcement onto the digital billboard in town (Do you know how awesome it is to see your name in lights?). All so that we could have a long chat about what more we could do to promote reading and my books.
Granted, I refuse to look at the night as a failure. I was able to talk about how I could help promote reading and literacy in our community. We discussed a plan to have a weekly reading group (or start a book club) where I could read aloud from my books and help reluctant and struggling readers discover the magic of a good book. I told them that I had entered the Kansas Voices contest and am eagerly waiting to hear if I've placed at all. I also told them that I'm working on a book which should hopefully be done in May and suggested we do a release event. My sweet husband knew that I was disappointed and even a little discouraged. He said, "Hey, think of it this way. When you are famous, this will be a great bit of trivia. 'Which famous author had zero attendance at her first library event?'" It was a successful evening. I was still able to share my passion with someone. Did it go as I had planned? No. But I still was able to do something. The only way I could have failed last night would have been for me to be the no-show.
My dear reading friends, I know that life is busy. I know that we all have demands on our time and energy. Lord knows I don't get to everything I want to in a day. I also recognize that many of you live in other towns and other states. I understand that and I wish that I could come out to each of your towns and states to share my passion with your communities. But I've got to start somewhere and home seems the best place to start. This little town is my home now. And maybe someday they'll have a sign, "Home of famous author Jessica L. Elliott".
Until then, I'll just keep trying. I'm not a quitter. I'm not one to back down when the going gets tough. But, I do need support. I need to know that you've got my back. I need to know that I'm not fighting an uphill battle alone. I need to know that there are people out there who share my passion. I need reminders that the hardest things are often the most worthwhile.
I'm letting you know now that I am pushing the release date of "50K" back into June in order to schedule a release party with the library. School will be out and hopefully we'll be able to get some people to come. My question is, can I count on seeing you there? I know that for those of you out of state, this is probably impossible and I understand. But for those of you in-state, would you be willing to try? I know I live in a small town and there's not a whole lot out here. But it would mean a lot to me to see you here.
Last night was not a failure, but it did tell me that I've got to try even harder. This is one part of that effort. If I keep you updated on when this event will take place, will you try to make it out for it? Life happens and I understand that completely. But I'd really like to have better attendance at my next event. If you are willing to try or you have any ideas for me, make a comment below or on my Facebook page.
You see, I believe that God has given everyone certain gifts and talents and mine is storytelling. I'm not the best storyteller and there is plenty of room for me to improve. There always will be. But I am a good storyteller and I'm passionate about it. That's why a no-show library event isn't going to pull me down. At least, not down enough to quit. When you really want something, you have to really work for it. My parents taught me that. And my father was always good at reminding me that the things that are the most worthwhile are never easy.
That must mean that writing is definitely worthwhile because this has not been easy for a moment. I admit, I was nervous about asking the library if they'd be willing to host some sort event for me and my books. Our awesome librarians were thrilled and helped look for a date that we hoped would be enough between all the busyness to allow for attendance. I prepared with excitement and enthusiasm, eager to share my passion for writing and good books with our little community. My sweetie and I got a sitter to watch the kiddos so that I could discuss my books and answer questions without distraction from my cuties. We loaded up our book inventory and went to the library. Together we set out the books, prepared flyers for people wanting more information and got the room set up the way we wanted it.
And no one showed. The librarians were disappointed. I was disappointed. A lot of preparation had gone to waste and not just on my part, but on the library's as well. The librarians had set up the chairs and gotten tables out for me. They'd printed flyers and posted them at various businesses in town (I was beginning to feel like America's Most Wanted!). They even got an announcement onto the digital billboard in town (Do you know how awesome it is to see your name in lights?). All so that we could have a long chat about what more we could do to promote reading and my books.
Granted, I refuse to look at the night as a failure. I was able to talk about how I could help promote reading and literacy in our community. We discussed a plan to have a weekly reading group (or start a book club) where I could read aloud from my books and help reluctant and struggling readers discover the magic of a good book. I told them that I had entered the Kansas Voices contest and am eagerly waiting to hear if I've placed at all. I also told them that I'm working on a book which should hopefully be done in May and suggested we do a release event. My sweet husband knew that I was disappointed and even a little discouraged. He said, "Hey, think of it this way. When you are famous, this will be a great bit of trivia. 'Which famous author had zero attendance at her first library event?'" It was a successful evening. I was still able to share my passion with someone. Did it go as I had planned? No. But I still was able to do something. The only way I could have failed last night would have been for me to be the no-show.
My dear reading friends, I know that life is busy. I know that we all have demands on our time and energy. Lord knows I don't get to everything I want to in a day. I also recognize that many of you live in other towns and other states. I understand that and I wish that I could come out to each of your towns and states to share my passion with your communities. But I've got to start somewhere and home seems the best place to start. This little town is my home now. And maybe someday they'll have a sign, "Home of famous author Jessica L. Elliott".
Until then, I'll just keep trying. I'm not a quitter. I'm not one to back down when the going gets tough. But, I do need support. I need to know that you've got my back. I need to know that I'm not fighting an uphill battle alone. I need to know that there are people out there who share my passion. I need reminders that the hardest things are often the most worthwhile.
I'm letting you know now that I am pushing the release date of "50K" back into June in order to schedule a release party with the library. School will be out and hopefully we'll be able to get some people to come. My question is, can I count on seeing you there? I know that for those of you out of state, this is probably impossible and I understand. But for those of you in-state, would you be willing to try? I know I live in a small town and there's not a whole lot out here. But it would mean a lot to me to see you here.
Last night was not a failure, but it did tell me that I've got to try even harder. This is one part of that effort. If I keep you updated on when this event will take place, will you try to make it out for it? Life happens and I understand that completely. But I'd really like to have better attendance at my next event. If you are willing to try or you have any ideas for me, make a comment below or on my Facebook page.
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