Friday, March 9, 2012

Books to Die For

This year is really barreling along. I was surprised to hear on the radio that we change to Daylight Savings Time this weekend. Already? And the mystery luncheon I was invited to attend that seemed to be in the distant future is only a little over a week away.

It’s called Books to Die for and is an all day affair being held at a Sheraton near Disneyland. The featured authors are Carolyn Hart, Kate Carlisle and me. The location is important because afterwards I’m going to meet my son at Disneyland and get a final use out of my yearly pass before it expires.

I was very flattered to be invited to participate in the event even though I always get nervous when I am in front of a crowd. Some people tend to talk too long on these writers’ panels. Me, I always finished way before the alloted time is up. I’m also not very good in the self promotion department.

To me the best part of all of this is the writing. Not that it’s easy. Lots of times I get stuck, but then all the pieces begin to fall into place and I get lost in the story and it’s so exciting and fun. The fact that I have an excuse to buy lots of yarn and learn how to make things and have it be considered part of my writing is a wonderful bonus.

I even like struggling with my knitting, which is getting better.

So, I hope I don’t say anything too stupid, or get too close to the microphone, or knock a glass of water on myself or anyone else.

As with my books, I just want everybody to have a good time.

9 comments:

Linda O. Johnston said...

Isn't it delightful to be invited to participate in special writing programs, Betty? I've got some coming up, too. Your group sounds like an excellent one. I'm sure you'll make a great presentation. Have fun!

I'd lost track of Daylight Savings Time, too, so I was also surprised that it starts this weekend.

Betty Hechtman said...

Thanks for the good thoughts, Linda.

Chrystle Fiedler said...

How exciting! Good luck Betty!

Mollie Cox Bryan said...

Good luck! I always get nervous, too, so I can certainly empathize. I hope you will have a fabulous time.

Monica Ferris said...

You will do fine. Write down a couple of points you'd like to make and when you see you are finishing a question too quickly, say, "That reminds me . . ." and make one of the points. If the connection doesn't follow from the question, smile to show you're being amusing.

Betty Hechtman said...

Thanks for the good wishes, Mollie and Chrystle. It's nice to have you as blog sisters.

Betty Hechtman said...

Monica, I love your advice. Good idea to have some points to make. And the smile to show I'm amusing is perfect. Thank you!

Sandie said...

If you haven't been given a topic, bring a copy of your upcoming book and read a snippet to wet the appetite of the audience. You might give insight info on how that particular idea began or the process of writing... The idea of writing down a few ideas is a great one too. All that said, I don't recall ever speaking in front of a large group. heh (And though I understand the purpose, I also hate those captchas. Have a hard time reading them.)

Betty Hechtman said...

Thanks for the suggestions, Sandie.