In order to sell books and become a little bit “famous” in your community, writers have to speak in front of their audiences.

The problem is, what do you do if you’re shy and scared to speak in front of a group?

Well practice helps, we all know that, but what else can you do to feel at ease in front of a crowd of people staring at you.

SMILE and BE YOURSELF

Let’s face it, you’re sharing your story, only you know your story. Only you know what it took to write it.

Here are some tips I use to overcome shyness:

• I say to myself, I’m here to make friends, not to sell books. If I do, great, if I don’t, so what, I’ve connected with new people.
• I get there early and chat with my audience as they trickle in.
• I shake hands and introduce myself to a few people in the audience before I speak.
• I ask questions to find out if they are writers and ask them about their interests.
• I try to be open, friendly and share something  about myself so they feel they can relate.

Last night I read the first chapter of my memoir:

Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of gutsy Living on a Tropical Island

Maddie Margarita organizes a wonderful monthly event called:  Lit Up: A Conversation with OC Writers and Readers.

“Another fun night at Lit Up! Thanks to Kean’s Coffee and to our talented authors Sonia Marsh PJ Colando and Lance Charnes – Author for rocking the house! Three very different stories told by three very different writers. It was outstanding!” —Maddie Margarita

 

If you’d like to participate, Please read below. You will get to read in front of an audience and practice your “public speaking” skills. It’s a ton of fun.

“We are accepting fiction and memoir submissions up to 3,000 words for the upcoming months so if you’re a writer and are interested – submission guidelines will be on purefictionleague.org within the next few days!”