National Day on Writing

In honor of the recent National Day on Writing, I was honored to be chosen as a panel speaker at The College of Saint Rose's evening event on October 20th. Not only was I honored to have been selected, but I was also privileged to sit among fellow alumni and staff authors who, not only famed in their genres, each taught me more than a thing or two about publishing, networking, and being an author in general. They were exemplary speakers when it came to their work.

It was the first time I had to speak to folks over the age of 10 about my book, in a more than one-to-one ratio, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I didn't feel very nervous as I stood up to speak at the podium, but when my head barely cleared the front of it, I awkwardly joked, "Maybe standing at the podium was a bad choice!" in my best Ron Burgundy tone, but no one laughed.

Throughout my 5 minutes of fame, however, I did see some encouraging head knods from students and members of the audience (besides my mom even!) and that made me feel relieved. I said everything I wanted to about what inspired me to write the book and why I think people should stay focused and passionate about writing if they enjoy it, but I did leave out some of the process points I wanted to highlight, when I failed to mention that I am a professional copywriter for an advertising agency, and the notion of this popped up randomly in the middle of my 'inspiration' tale.

But like I said, I was so proud to be there, and to be, even though I'm a rookie, an example to students who know they want to write and know it's what they are meant to do in this lifetime, just like me. And it gave me a little experience and some motivation to really start getting behind this thing (my book) and getting it to people who could/would love the message it emphasizes.

It's hard for me sometimes to really accept, and recognize that I am actually a writer. And moreover, that I am a published author. For some reason these things have just been dreams for so long, I just got used to them being just that: dreams. But when I have to pinch myself at my desk when I get a fun assignment, or when I had butterflies before my turn to speak at the college I graduated from, it puts a realism and joy to it that is almost indescribable. I may not be rich, or famous, and that's perfectly, perfectly fine. I am a writer, and really, that's all I've ever wanted to be.

So look for me, and my book, to be popping up around Upstate and Eastern New York in the near future (for now). I've decided to personally globe-trot M. vs. The M. around and see if there are any small, local shops that would like to carry it and help me share my mom's tale of hope and strength. And once I've bugged everyone up and down the East side, I'll head toward the wild, wild West and just see what can happen.

It's how it all started in the first place, basically, so what have I got to lose? Stay tuned for more updates! And stay warm! :) peace signs and pumpkin rinds! ;)