Are you a shy writer?

Hi Friends~ Julie Carobini here from the foggy California coast.  Believe it or not, I'm shy.  Family and friends might laugh because once I get to know people, this is not the case.  Still I'm NOT the person who walks into the room and says, "Hey, everybody!  Look at me!"

Are you?

Some writers are, but many, many (many!) suffer from the shyness factor.  So how do we writers, who are expected to get out there and sell our books, overcome this malady?

After my first book sale in 2006, I started blogging about life and writing and, well, the beach.  I know , I know...blogging's nothing new.  But as I look back, I realize how much the regular exercise of writing to my readers and new friends has helped me to prepare for the many face-to-face events I've participated in as a new novelist.

I encourage you to see blogging as more than building a platform; see it as a relationship builder and shyness buster.  Here are some of the results of my blogging life:

* During my 9-stop book tour last year, at least one new bloggity friend visited me at every stop. (I felt so honored!)

* A Dallas blogger stopped by to see me at my first ACFW conference book signing and brought me a Texas hug (a toy :). 

* Bloggers have agreed to help judge a contest that my publisher is conducting.

* Readers have answered surveys and helped me shape proposals.

* Blogging friends have cheered me on with each milestone.

*...and here's something super cool: I've had opportunities to cheer them on too!

In the coming months, I plan to talk with you about the blogging life, and more specifically, suggest ways you can peek out of your shell a bit more.  It's not easy for those of us who tend toward shyness and spend most of our days with just a computer for a companion.  All the more reason to work at it, though, so that when you're asked to speak to 250 retailers (like I did at ICRS this year), you'll find it's not as hard as you anticipated!

I'd love to hear from you.  Please stop by my cyber-beach pad for a visit sometime soon: www.juliecarobini.blogspot.com

Comments

[Leanna]

Hi, Julie! I'm shy too, but with practice I've come out of my shell more and more. Can't wait to hear all you have to say about blogging!

[Anthony James Barnett - author]

I know exactly where you're coming from, Julie. I hate being the centre of attention.

Whilst I was doing a radio interview after the publication of 'Without Reproach' I could have curled up. I hardly knew what I was saying - luckily it didn't sound too garbled on playback.

I thought I was really brave a few months back, when I handed out bookmarks to visitors in the streets of Benidorm.

I think book promotion sucks.

[julie carobini]

Thanks, Leanna! And yes, Anthony, I know what you mean. I have to rely on my high school acting lessons sometimes just to approach folks ;D Good for you for getting out there!