I know some of you are with me. Writing is an introverts’ game. We didn’t sign up for the spotlight unless, of course, it’s on our books.
There are writers who are very at home with the social/marketing side of authorship. I envy them. I wish I could put myself out there just as you do. Many of you will say practice, like everything else, will help us overcome. Me? I’m not so sure.
I’m a social butterfly in real life, believe it or not. I crave social interaction and love meeting new people. I don’t function properly without the adequate exchanging of ideas, seeing people, and all other things. But, when it comes to my work, I freeze.
Why can I submit my work, post it on my blog, and strike up a conversation with complete strangers (in person) about a movie but can’t talk to those same strangers about my work? It should be fine. It is a logical thing. But it isn’t. All I can figure is, for as puny as my ego is, it flattens completely under the thought of crowd-pressure. The only thing about a movie I have a claim to is my opinion on it or if I’ve seen it; there is no skin in the game for me.
Oh well, maybe someday things will be different.
What about you guys? Do you have the same issue? Did you used to have it but have overcome it? Is there a different reason I can write about my work but not talk about it? Why are audio files more intimidating for me if I don’t have to worry about messing up while doing it “live”?
I don't like portraying any aspect of myself, really. Not things I create, not my accomplishments, not my ideals. When I make presentations, they are thoroughly rehearsed—I have to know exactly what I want to say and when. I think for me it's an introvert thing: I just want to make sure that I'm expressing what I want to express without causing problems for other people. If I was going to create audio files, I would record them and put them away for 4-7 days. Then I'd listen to them myself. I might have to put them away for another few days and then listen to them again. This would help me get comfortable with my voice and help me determine if the files do justice to my work. Maybe something like this would help you?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure but it may work. Either way, it's happening... and soon!
DeleteThis is my first time at your blog and I've joined as a follower.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to what you're saying. You sure won't find any videos or recordings on line of my singing or reciting anything. That's been a hindrance to my career as a songwriter. I am able to give speaking presentations, but I'd be hesitant to read my work in front of people. I'm much better than I used to be about this. As I get older the less I seem to care, but still....
This relates a great deal to a current series I've been doing at my blog. You might be interested in reading what I've discussed over the past week.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Welcome! I'm following you now and will definitely check it out.
DeleteHow did you find out about me?
I saw your comment at another blog (I forget which one now) and the name caught my eyes. My real last name is Jackson. Arlee Bird is a pseudonym.
DeleteLee
Tossing It Out