Thursday, September 3, 2015

I’m Back!

I love summer. But because of distractions during that season (mostly enjoying the sun), my efforts as an author slowed down.

However, on August 31st I wrapped up the month on a high note; I gave a talk about Tiggle Trouble to Omaha North Rotary at Eppley Airfield. It went well, and I was happy to get my groove back.

Having honed my public speaking skills while in Toastmasters in Omaha, NE, and in Eureka and Fortuna, CA, I knew the craft. But wrapping a seven year journey into a 15-minute package was challenging.

Those years were not uninterrupted. Life had its twists and turns, including several moves, career changes and the passing of my parents. Plus, writing a first book can be daunting. But I persisted.

A good book seems effortless. Easy. Natural. But for a first time author, there are surprises around every bend — unwritten rules, flow formulas, editing standards. The list goes on.

And then there’s marketing. When one loves writing, switching to marketing isn’t easy. It requires not only a passion for your work, but a desire to connect with the public. Giving talks and presentations is part of it.

I’d like to thank Jim Ross of Hudson Booksellers for inviting me to speak to the Omaha North Rotary where “putting it out there” all came back to me.