Optional June Question: Did you ever say “I quit”? If so, what happened to make you come back to writing?
Yes, I have. SEVERAL
times.
Last
year, I had said it a lot--when I was getting rejections, when sales weren't happening, reviews weren't coming
in, when nothing was working despite my efforts, when my depression
reared it's ugly head. I would even go so far as to say to my mom, "Never
publish!"
The very second after I'd yell, "I quit," I'd
be back at, trying my hardest. I can't quit writing, because it's my passion.
My dream. I may succumb to the pressure and throw a tantrum, but there's
not a quitter bone in this body!
****
Insecurity #1: One of my biggest insecurities is recording videos of myself. I get nervous, even if I'm by myself.
Last month, I decided to squash this insecurity.
I recorded myself doing a reading of Tsunami Crimes. I did it in one take because I didn't want to have to do it again and again. But when I finished, I was excited! I immediately created a YouTube channel, published the video, and added it to Goodreads and LinkedIn (which I had just joined at the time).
Now, I plan to do a lot more!
Here's my reading. In the beginning, I make a pretty funny mistake. (I also mess up a few words. Oopsy.)
Side Note: To me, I'm a completely different person in this video. I felt like an actor, which is, I guess, what you have to become, even if you're an author. :P
****
Insecurity #2: Being Chrys Fey in Public.
On Saturday, I had my
first book signing at: Space Coast Book Lovers.
I used this event to conquer more insecurities. I did a recorded interview for Hangin with Web Show. I was so nervous in the beginning, but the host was so nice and funny that it was surprisingly easy. I'll share the video when they put it up. :)
I also signed up for an Author Mingle/Panel. I had to talk about my first published book, Hurricane Crimes, and answer questions. My heart would pound just before it was my turn, but when I had to speak, I did good.
I was really proud of myself afterward.
The Signing:
I went to all of the authors' tables, exchanged business cards with them (including IWSG cards) and asked for their autographs.
I used this event to conquer more insecurities. I did a recorded interview for Hangin with Web Show. I was so nervous in the beginning, but the host was so nice and funny that it was surprisingly easy. I'll share the video when they put it up. :)
I also signed up for an Author Mingle/Panel. I had to talk about my first published book, Hurricane Crimes, and answer questions. My heart would pound just before it was my turn, but when I had to speak, I did good.
I was really proud of myself afterward.
The Signing:
Me at my table.
On the right is MJ!
All the authors at the SCBL event. I'm in the back right corner.
Personal Assistants.
My mom is behind the lady in red. She's wearing a black shirt.
*Photos by Christopher John
I went to all of the authors' tables, exchanged business cards with them (including IWSG cards) and asked for their autographs.
What Works:
- Newsletter Giveaway with Newsletter Sign-up Sheets.
- Postcards with book blurb and cover art.
- Hand-painted shells...Florida. People loved it.
Plans for Future:
- MORE COOL FREE STUFF!
- Banners
- Book Stands
Yvonne Mason
Maggie Adams
*Photos by Christopher John
Blogger Scherry Jenkins asked for a picture!
She posted about the event and our meeting here.
 |
| My Mom!! |
MJ Fifield!!!!!!
Optional July 5th Question: What is one valuable lesson you've learned since you started writing?
You got out and you did it - congrats. Book events are SO much fun. I've done over 300 and really miss doing them now that there are so few bookstores around here.
ReplyDeleteI love that you met up with MJ.
Now that I've seen the photos and heard your voice - OMG, you are so young! I remember youth...
How did you manage to go to over 300?
DeleteLOL. I knew Therese be "she's so young" reactions. ;) I have good genes from my mom.
I had to smile in sympathy as you described your temper tantrum. Sometimes, a tantrum feels so good and really clears the air. Glad you don't have a quitter bone in your body. You have a lot to share with the world.
ReplyDeleteTantrums are good to let out steam.
DeleteThanks, Lynn!
Oh yeah, the rejections would do that. Been there, still there. Nothing gives you quite a beating than having your work rejected. But even though you'd vent about it, you still stuck it through and now networking like a boss.
ReplyDeleteHope to be where you are someday.
Me? Gosh I feel like I'm nowhere, trying to get where others are. lol
DeleteDoing a public book appearance and making a video - wow, you are one impressive lady! Those are things that would scare me to death. I hate seeing myself on video and can't imagine ever willingly doing a YouTube video. Looking forward to watching yours once I have better internet connectivity.
ReplyDeleteI never thought I'd do YouTube videos. What's that saying? Never say never. ;)
DeleteYou should be so proud of yourself!! The video is fantastic and I would be so afraid to make one of those. Also so glad you had such a great experience at the book fest. Your table and swag totally rocked. Yay!!
ReplyDeleteSo cool that you and MJ got to meet up!
Thanks! I hate seeing and hearing myself on videos, but I think I'll get over that. ;)
DeleteSo awesome, Chrys! I'm with Julie - you should be so proud of yourself. You are so much braver than I am. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yeh for meeting MJ, too!
Thanks! :D
DeleteWhat a really inspiring post! I like how you stepped outside your comfort and really put your best foot into the challenge. I don't like videos either :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erika! I really felt it was something I had to conquer. Now I'm actually excited to do more. :)
DeleteI agree with Erika. It's hard to face your fears and it sounds like you had a good time. Congratulations on a job well done.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I did have a good time. It was a great experience. I learned a lot. :)
DeleteThanks, Sherry!
Wow, Chrys! Good for you. Being pretty introverted myself I know how challenging it can be to read for people, do an interview, or be social with strangers. And, now that you've done it, each time you do it again, you'll be ever more confident.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a challenge when you're an introvert, but you're right that it does get easier after each attempt. :)
DeleteLook at you go, quite the table indeed. Sure looks like a blast was had. Good that there isn't such a bone, we can whine and groan, but have to keep on keeping on.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat! I hope to keep on going. ;)
DeleteGO GIRL!!! Fabulous video and you have no reason to be insecure! More please :) Thank you for sharing and thanks again for the great newsletters.
ReplyDeleteI plan to do more soon. I did do a reading for Seismic Crimes afterward and put it up on YouTube. I just didn't post it here.
DeleteYour are absolutely not a quitter, Chrys. It looks and sounds like your author event went well. So proud of you for kicking your insecurities in the teeth. I know your author career will keep going strong because you are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Murees!
DeleteLook at you and MJ! Now we know what she looks like. It sounds like an awesome event.
ReplyDeleteNot a chance I'd read my own story. I'd mess up all over the place.
I was worried I wouldn't recognize her. And I didn't the first day. She came up to me at the signing, and I'm glad she did. :)
DeleteFantastic at squashing your fears! That event looks like it was so much fun. I'm terrified of seeing myself on video too. People just want to see my kid and my cat, right?!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could do videos of my cats, but as soon as I try they stop doing what they were doing. lol
DeleteI'm glad the the quitting didn't stick. I'd miss you very much. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Aw. Thanks! I'd miss you, too. :)
DeleteI can't remember where it was, but I saw pics of your table and it looked so cute! If I had been able to attend, it would have caught my attention and brought me over.
ReplyDeleteProbably on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks!
DeleteLooks like loads of fun! Glad you didn't quit. Often times, we are so close to winning!!
ReplyDeleteThat's very true.
DeleteWe'll all have to check out your reading... I have never liked my voice in recordings, even though I've been doing this for decades.
ReplyDeleteI don't like my voice either. It makes me cringe. lol
DeleteYou have a very pleasing voice--I just listened to your reading!
DeleteGlad you didn't quit Chrys. I too often decide to quit but eventually I get back to my writing, because like you said, its in our blood, its our passion.
ReplyDeleteExactly. Hopefully none of us ever quit.
DeleteLove that you're doing YouTube. I'm considering it, but I hate how I look and sound on video, so I probably will never be able to do that. Besides, I've been cringing and hiding for days just knowing that there are pictures of me on the Internet.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great time...the sign-up for next year's event starts next month, I hear. :)
Haha. I don't like to see pictures of myself, which mostly has to do with my insecurities with my back, but...*shrugs*...I guess we can't help it.
DeleteI will be signing up! Whether I'll have the money right then for a partial payment is the question. :P
Way to conquer your fears! I couldn't do the video thing either. The idea of speaking in public terrifies me and that carries over to any sort of video chat thing. I did one a few years back and was nervous the whole time.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a lot of fun at the signing.
I will be doing a video interview soon. Eek!
DeleteYou're doing all kinds of cool stuff! Way to go on squashing those insecurities! I also don't like myself on video but I'm trying to get over that. :) I'd really like to teach a webinar and well, it's video!
ReplyDeleteHere's my IWSG post for June: How to Survive the 'Little Quits.'
Webinars would be something awesome to do.
DeleteSounds like you've been meeting some insecurities head on! Well done, Chrys that's brilliant. Glad you're not going to quit either.
ReplyDeleteI think that's what we have to do...face insecurities head on.
DeleteYou went out and conquered your fear. Wow, bsolutely fabulous!! Loved your display and all you learned. A good lesson for me too. Haven't done this yet and I'm nervous. Your video is wonderful too. Huge Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon! Your first book event is a great learning experience.
DeleteHi Chrys - these are all great - so well done on the video - loved it and it'll get easier ... and you've set the channel up - excellent news. Clever and so good to see you and MJ together ... the conference looks amazing ... so pleased to read this - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you liked the video. :)
DeleteIsn't it interesting to look back at that mountain and say, "That wasn't so hard." Good for you.
ReplyDeleteYes! And it wasn't so bad! :D
DeleteWow! I want to go to a book event! (As a visitor/customer). Nice voice!
ReplyDeleteYou like my voice? Yay!!! Hahaha
DeleteHappy to see you conquering your insecurities - taking them on one by one! Way to go! Love your book event pix. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra! I had to share pictures...proof. ;)
DeleteOh, congratulations! And good for you for reading your stuff on video. I hate video too, but was recently on a video podcast, so I had no choice. Why are we always so critical of ourselves?
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to be at that signing, met you, and snagged your autograph!
I'm going to be doing a live interview and radio show, so I have to prepare myself. :) Thank you! I would've loved to meet you.
DeleteSome day we will meet!
DeleteAnd that day would be awesome. :D
DeleteYay, you!!! You cut down those insecurities like a woodsman taking out a sapling with an 18" chain saw. Great job! No forest is too big for you now. (Even if you DO look younger than my granddaughters...)
ReplyDeleteI love your metaphor. LOL! I don't like to reveal my age, but I do look 10 years younger than I am.
DeleteHey! You conquered your nervousness and your fears and you got out there. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteAwesome job, well done!!! I don't think I could've done it.
ReplyDeleteI never thought I could until I set my sights on it.
DeleteFun video, Chrys! Glad you conquered your insecurities and made it!
ReplyDeleteI will continue to work on these insecurities, but they are getting easier.
DeleteWay to go! I've never liked watching myself on video, which means all I can think about while making said video is how terrible I'm going to look and sound. That you were able to tackle that is pretty impressive. The book signing looked really fun. I hope it was as awesome as it looked.
ReplyDeleteThe book event was awesome. I had a blast as a reader and author.
DeleteI just give you a big hug of congratulations! This is for the event where you were able to mingle and speak with fellow authors as well as over-riding your insecurity and not quitting. I truly commend your efforts and you did sound great despite the oopsies. Your mom looks cute and she must be proud
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Birgit! Next year, my mom plans to be a featured author.
DeleteWhat a great event. Looks like you met a bunch of great people.
ReplyDeleteI did, indeed. :)
DeleteWay to tackle the really scary stuff! I'm not afraid of in-person appearances, but I'm like you--scared stiff of the idea of video. Thanks for sharing the tips about doing the convention, too. I agree--spend a little money and have cool stuff to give away. All imprinted with your book info, of course :)
ReplyDelete—Rebecca
My IWSG Post
Of course. Your book info on the things you give away is a must. :)
DeleteIt looks like we may use the same pen at signings! :D Whoops, spoiler alert, LOL. Love the video. I've been wondering whether I should do videos, but ugh. I actually like being a panelist more than I like signings. I feel like I'm more in control of speaking vs. sitting there and hoping someone, anyone, stops to buy a book.
ReplyDeleteTalking about my book was easier on the panel than at the signing.
DeleteCongratulations, that looks like an awesome signing event. Love your video and shared it. Well you look like a successful author therefore you are. It walks and talks like a duck. It must be a duck. The video really were great and you are inspiring. You help me keep on plugging just being who you are. YOU GO!
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
Thank you for your comment, Juneta! This is why I do what I do. ❤
DeleteGlad you had a good time at the book signing! That's really awesome.
ReplyDeleteI liked your video! I laughed at the spoiler part. Doing a video (or an event, actually) kinda terrifies me, not gonna lie.
I'm glad you laughed. I was laughing at myself. And laughed even harder when I watched it.
DeleteCongratulations on the video and the book signing! I know what you mean by "acting" in videos. I'm myself, but yet, I'm trying to be an authorly self, which is different from my every day self. It's odd (for me, at least).
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I mean. I'm glad you got it. It is odd, indeed.
DeleteMarvelous video! And a great book-signing event. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteYou've been doing all sorts of exciting things!
ReplyDeleteThe conference sounded like a lot of fun:)
Yes, I am. I'm having fun. :)
DeleteChrys, you're so inspiring. Admitting your insecurities and then conquering them the way you have---is amazing! The video is very well done and I enjoyed seeing your instagram photos of your book signing event. A great success and an inpsiration to all of us writers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa! I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures and the video. I did the video with my laptop camera,but now I have a webcam and hope to be able to do more, better videos.
DeleteGood job! I think you're very brave. Putting yourself out there is hard and you did it. Yay you!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I plan to put myself out there even more. :)
DeleteCongrats on overcoming your insecurities. You did a great job on your video. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSo awesome how you did some things that you were afraid to do. I would feel nervous doing them too. I've been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone too. It's a confidence booster.
ReplyDeletePushing ourselves out of our comfort zones is a must. We should do it more often. :)
DeleteWell you certainly met a lot of people at the conference. Pushing yourself in uncomfortable directions is definitely the way to go. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI sure did! There were over 50 featured authors. :D
DeleteHow exciting to be conquering your fears Chrys. Wow, I'd hate to do a youtube vid, but that's where it's at for a lot of people. Good for you. And book signing. Wow. I takes me 'at off to you. I hope it all results in a sales spike!
ReplyDeleteI haven't checked my sales, but my fingers are crossed.
DeleteYou have a pleasant, lovely voice, Chrys. I used to be an actor, and I still have nerve issues. I like that you're natural, laugh occasionally (a-holes, ha!). It's good stuff!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I didn't want to curse. Although I wrote it. :P
DeleteWow, I'd be insecure about those things too -- congratulations on getting them done and done so well!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYou certainly have had a great time, It's always good to meet a follower, I met Arlee Bird a few years ago whilst I was in LA.
ReplyDeleteHad a great time and he is such a lovely person.
Loved the post.
Yvonne.
It would be something to meet Arlee.
DeleteCongrats on the signing! I don't like video either -- it's my least favorite format. I admire your bravery in recording and posting the reading! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm going to try to make videos my new favorite format. ;)
DeleteChrys, your reading was delightful. You are just like a pictured, enthusiastic, fun. You picked a great scene from that book. Scary. Congrats on stomping on your insecurities and doing what's difficult.
ReplyDeleteIt was the only scene that made sense to do, to hopefully hook readers. ;)
DeleteGood for you Chrys! It's so nice to see people overcome their insecurities and come out a winner. IT is DIFFICULT... putting yourself out their in the public eye. You did do well! Pat yourself on the back and keep smiling.....
ReplyDeleteVery difficult. Especially for introverts. Thanks, Michael!
DeleteCongratulations! That's fantastic, you are working hard to overcome those insecurities! Your video was great! Keep it up! Putting yourself out there is the way to sell those books!
ReplyDeleteI've been making more videos. ;)
DeleteWell done for facing up to your insecurities - and smashing them!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patsy!
DeleteI love how you're fighting your insecurities by facing up to them. You go, lady! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt's the best way to beat insecurities. :)
DeleteI'm with you, I may stop for a while, but I could never completely quit writing. Although, you are a lot braver than I am recording a video of yourself. Being an actor is a good idea should I ever have to face that scenario.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was little, I had wanted to act or do plays. :)
DeleteMe too! I was in the Drama Club in elementary school :)
DeleteI was never in Drama. I was too insecure. :P
DeleteThat author event looks like a blast!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you on conquering your fears - and successfully, too. You look like a pro doing the reading. Nice lei!
A pro? Wow. Thanks!
DeleteCongratulations on the book signing; sounds like it was a lot of fun! And I agree that reading your writing can boost your confidence; I felt that way after I read my work out loud at that open mic night that one time. I'd like to do that again, but I admit feeling insecure and that I might not get as good of a response the next time. But I still want to do it. :)
ReplyDeleteAn open mic night is a great idea!
DeleteI'm proud of you too! Good for you, doing a video! I'm still too chicken! LOL! Congrats on the book signing as well!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm not as chicken as I was just a month ago. :D
DeleteWhat an awesome event! I think every writer wishes s/he could have such a wonderful, successful event. Doing something like that really helps one to build confidence.
ReplyDeleteI was never able to go to a book event, but once I found once close enough and I finally got the money, I jumped on it. And it was pretty awesome. :)
DeleteWell done, Chrys! I adore how you're squashing insecurities. That's a beautiful badass attitude. (And your mom is so lovely for being at the event. What wonderful support!)
ReplyDeleteBadass attitude. Yes. Finally! LOL
DeleteAw. Thank you! I'll pass that on to her. :)