Beyond the Writing

Today is one of those days when I get to step out from behind the keyboard and interact with my readers. Five years ago, speaking gigs made me a wee bit nervous. After all, I gravitated toward writing because I’m quiet. Standing in front of a group of thirty people–people who are there to hear what I have to say. Talking to groups of people about my books/writing wasn’t ever part of the “author image” I had when I was ten years old.

My first few speaking events were tough. I felt like I had co...