The first Wednesday of each month is the perfect opportunity to share my insecurities on the #IWSG therapy couch, get encouragement and support about such insecurities, and to read how other writers are faring.
This got me thinking... why not do an IWSG post about a past insecurity and how it turned out? A results show, if you will.
In June, I am attending UtopYA in Nashville, Tennessee. While I am uber-excited about meeting so many of the amazing writers I have come to know through the Internet, I am also terrified to push back the cloak of invisibility I wear so well.
Before attending UtopYA, I heard testimonials about how welcoming and empowering it was. Writer after writer shared stories of inspiration post-conference. To be fair, I didn't know if they were outgoing people who would have thrived in any environment.
Although I was nervous at first, I did my best to put myself out there. I introduced myself to friendly faces I recognized from tiny Facebook icons or author pictures. (As a side note, I'm grateful my mom gave me a unique name since Tia seemed to click with people quicker than my social media pictures.)
I couldn't believe how genuine everyone seemed to be. Each day, I relaxed a little more. Then, something crazy happened. I sought people out instead of waiting for them to come to me. Crazier still, I let loose more than I usually do. For instance, I'm proud to say I'm no longer a Karaoke virgin.
Sure, I wish I'd been even more social and outgoing, but I am proud to say I walked away with new friends and tighter connections. Plus, I'm already excited about next year. Overall, I'll put this one in the win column.
To my IWSG friends, how often do you write results posts?
* A special thank you to the lovely Jo Michaels, NL Greene, and Casey Bond pictured above. You ladies rock!
16 comments:
Hi Tia!
I wandered over thanks to your link posted on the IWSG Facebook page. I've never read a "results" post from the IWSG. I love it! And I'm glad it turned out great in the end.
We writers wear the cloak of invisibility well. It's hard to come out and be "seen". But, as you found and as I've found in the past, when we do, we usually make some pretty awesome connections!
Happy to meet you!
Jen
Lovely! And congrats on coming out of your shell. It's so difficult. I'm gregarious one on one, but in a crowd, I shut down with anxiety. I feel ya.
You know, I don't think that I post results that often. I really should.
PS The first time I did Karaoke it was to Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and I did it, completely without irony, at a Catholic college in front of at least four nuns.
Good for you, Tia. I'm glad you posted your "results". It's hard to put yourself out there, but you did it!
That's something I both look forward to and dread, myself . .. the whole promotion circuit. Readings, panels, conferences, etc. Exciting. And excruciating for a hermit like me.
I don't think I've ever followed up on a post. Now that you pointed it out, I think it's a brilliant idea!
that's awesome! an it's good to set several goals, one step at the time. Go you, next time you'll be reaching out to people without even thinking about it :-)
One of my goals for this year is to put myself out there a little further on that ledge of discomfort. Inch by inch I am doing it.
Good for you for be willing to jump in.
They say it gets easier:)
doreenmcgettigan.com
Sounds like you had a wonderful time and I am sure it will only get better from here on in.
Yay! Look what happens when you face your fears and step out of your comfort zone. I'm so glad you had that experience!
Play off the Page
This is a great idea, Tia. I often forget to let people know how something turned out.
I'm glad your conference went well. I personally love writing conferences and the people I meet, though it can be nerve-wracking at first. I've made several friends for life.
What a wonderful success :-)
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Wow, that's so great that you stepped out and made new connections.
By the way, I love American Pickers!
I write regular posts everyday. But, I think all writers are insecure about their writing during their career at some point.
I think the idea of a results post is great. You have me thinking about doing one now.
I'm just now getting around to visit all of you back, and I really appreciate your comments. The #IWSG community has been so awesome and has become an important asset in my writing life!
Looks like it was a win-win situation...
You took a bold step (well done on the karaoke) and made new friends + you had a wonderful time!
Congrats!
Writer In Transit
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