This Saturday at Mac’s Backs, I have my first reading ever. I’m trying not to over-think it. I’m trying not to under-think it. I want to be prepared. I sort of feel like I’ve gotten on a roller coaster ride and it’s edging up the mountain and I’m all… on second thought….can we stop this thing? I’m not so sure about this. But it will all be okay.
It will be fine. Fine.
I know plenty of writers who do readings all the time and act like it’s no big deal, but they must have had a first time. And I bet they were at least a little scared. And my book is really personal.
I’ll be reading with another writer, Terre Maher. We spoke on the phone the other day and she seems lovely. That helps. We discovered in our conversation that we have much in common. Weird Stuff. No accidents stuff. I’ll tell you about it after the reading, unless you live in Cleveland and want to come. Then you’ll find out on Saturday.
Wish me luck. Wish that my lip or eye doesn’t start to twitch. Wish that I don’t read too fast. Wish that people show up. Wish that I wasn’t such a nervous Nelly.
You know, it’s strange. I used to work in radio. I had a White House press pass. I interviewed “important” people and my pieces were played on radio stations all over the country. Outwardly, I was intimidated by no one. I was once chastised by my boss for “not being awestruck enough” about covering the President’s State of the Union address. My reply to him was,
“These Congressional Reps and Senators sit down on the can like everyone else.”
One of my young colleagues almost did a spit-take over that one. The kahunas of my younger self astound me. But the bravado I used to carry around in my twenties has long since burned off. That’s a good thing. Bravado is just masked insecurity afterall.
Now it’s just me, being more real, which means sometimes being afraid.
Reading aloud from my memoir in public is a little scary but so what?
It will be fine. Fine.
It totally will.
Mac’s Backs
7PM Jan. 28th
1820 Coventry Rd.
Cleveland Heights
It will be BETTER than fine. You have to give details, and photos, and what passage you read, and and and! A little excited for you here 🙂
You will rock it, Michelle. Enjoy the spotlight and shine!
This from the woman who totally rocked her singing – Go MO’N!! Wish I could be there in person, but sending happy thoughts anyway
If I could be there I’d be the one in the back with the huge smile and at the end, clapping a little too loud. Hugs.
I will wish for all those things and more. Like you always say…
LOVE.
You will rock the house Michelle!
Your package just arrived and I feel like I am walking a foot off the ground! An absolutely beautiful new book, hot off the press, ready to share your story as only you can – it doesn’t get any better than this! I am very excited for my best friend Laura also. As soon as I mentioned the title of the book she started laughing, because she also is ‘the daughter of the drunk at the bar,’ and I know that experience completely defined who she is today.
Thank you also for the inspirational card – what a photograph!
I will let you know how things progressed after Laura and I read the book which was meant to come into our lives.
God Bless You,
Elizabeth Young.
You WILL be totally calm. B
Breathe in the confidence. Exhale the insecurity. Do all the things that you have taught your children. Know that you are loved. you are special, you are awesome, you are amazing!!! It will all be O.K. Warm Hugs and Love to you!!!
You will be great — even if your knees knock and your voice shakes. I read quite a bit form my book in progress when I worked for this huge healthcare consortium. My voice would crack, but I’d hold on tight to the podium and slow down and breathe. Most importantly, your writing will stun people and they will LISTEN.
Just go and be yourself, you are strong and you’ll be more than fine! And then come back and tell us all about it! I wish you a great success 🙂
As you were talking about your nerves, I was reminded of the times Riley has helped you when you were worried about singing a solo. Something tells me your girl will be right there with you this time, too, even if only in spirit. You will amaze everyone with your authenticity and Michelle-ness, and I suspect you’ll have a ball. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Dear Michelle,
Yes. It will be fine. As Kc says, “it will be better than fine.” It will be a boost to your spirits and your belief in your book. Go for it!
Peace.
BEYOND “fine.” Sending love, love and more love.