Suddenly I Know Things!
May 18, 2011 
Firstly I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who’s congratulated me here on my blog or on Twitter or Facebook over the past week. It’s been overwhelming to see the kind of cheer and support this community gives. Just thank you, thank you. <3
Anyway! So today I got to do something I’ve always looked forward to as part of the author gig: talk to a group of students about books and writing. To be completely honest, though, I’ve always dreaded it almost as much as I’ve looked forward to it, because like many writers I’m a naturally somewhat shy person. Public speaking gives me the heebie jeebies. Plus, I don’t actually feel different on the other side of the book deal–who’s to say I know stuff now? What gives me the right to pretend I do? I even emailed my ninth grade English teacher, who I’m still friends with, to ask for advice. Turns out, though, that I didn’t really have anything to be worried about!
I was talking to a lit class, rather than a creative writing class, so I ended up talking about the basic 3-act structure of most stories, and how you can apply it to anything fictional, and many other forms of writing as well–it’s also useful in writing academic papers, and so on. (I used Star Wars as an example, because I mean, everyone’s seen that, right? Wrong! Only one or two of them had even seen the movie!)
Anyway, they were great, but when we got to the end of my little talk and asked for questions, they pointed out my big mistake.
I hadn’t said ANYTHING about my own book!
So they asked what it was about, and I had a lot of fun telling this group of teenagers about my book–that’s who it’s meant for, after all, so it was awesome getting to see that little look of “Ooh, I’d read that!” come across their faces. It was also great because teenagers and younger kids will ask you questions that adults wouldn’t, because they just aren’t thinking about tact. For example, “Will you be like majorly disappointed if your book’s a big flop?”
Hah! Um, YES! But it meant I could explain a little about publishing, which they found surprisingly interesting. All in all it was a fun morning–and the teacher friend of mine who’d set it up took me out for hot chocolate as a thank you. So win all around!
Now I am TOTALLY exhausted, though. Who knew speaking was so draining? Time for a nap! And then back to packing to head back to the U.S….
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Wait… What the heck? Maybe if they were elementary school children I would understand… But we’re not THAT old. How can most of them have not seen Star Wars?
On the other hand, I think it’s great you went and talked to them… I mean, I knew literally NOTHING about getting published back when I was in high school, and I think I’d be in a very different place today had I known. So you’ve done something great with informing them 🙂
Hah, believe me, I am RIGHT there with you! Fortunately they knew enough about it from pop culture references that I could just give bare bones to make the example work. XD
Yeah, I know I would have loved to have writers come in and talk to me when I was in high school. It was a lot of fun, something I definitely want to do as much as possible in the future!
Glad it went well! The kids don’t know Star Wars?! Maybe they know LotR better these days? :< I writer I met at Sweet Briar said you basically never stop feeling like an impostor at these things. The publishing process is interesting! And something people don't know much about (I certainly didn't). Not like acting or film-making which is constantly depicted in popular media (because it's made by actors and film-makers! Surprise!). I bet I could get you a speaking gig at Sweeeet Briar~. 8D I bet they'd love to have someone like you talk to the creative writing kids, etc.
Man, it’s so true. Imposter syndrome is one of those things I intend to blog about at some point, because man, is it ever prevalent among writers!
I’d totally do a Sweet Briar gig! We shall talk. 😀
So cool that this went well! I am terrified of talking in front of groups, but I guess we know more about stories and this crazy publishing world than we think we do, and I hear it’s much easier to do a presentation when you know your subject well. Good job!
I’m terrified by it too! I wouldn’t have been able to do it–let’s face it, I wouldn’t have even said YES–if I hadn’t taken acting classes in college. Oof!
Yeah–the fun part was definitely talking about a subject I know so well I don’t even need notes. And, of course, getting questions that showed they were genuinely interested!
I knew that you would figure it out and that they would love you! It is hard to figure out what is expected of you in situations like that. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will be. How lucky for the students to have the chance to meet a real author.
Your advice was SO helpful! If nothing else it reminded me that I do have stuff to share–though it feels like I’m exactly the same as I was a year ago, I actually have learned a lot.
Thank you! <3
SO COOL! And I’m not surprised at all about how well it went—’cause you’re pretty awesome. 🙂
It was so fun! I can’t wait for my release date to get closer, so I can start doing more of this sort of thing.
(Well, I can’t wait for release date to be closer for a LOT of reasons. Um.)
That is so so cool! What a great experience. I think these author talks will only get easier for you. Way to go!
Thanks, Carolina! I’m hoping they get easier–if for no other reason than that I was EXHAUSTED afterward! I hope that the system grows accustomed to it, and develops a bit of stamina. 😛
I always loved writing, but it was a visit to a great centre here in Australia caled Dromkeen that made me realise I wanted to really write. It was a camp that went for a few days, and we spent time with two wonderful authors. May you inspire people just as much!