This weekend I attended an excellent and entertaining workshop presented by the Atlanta Writer’s Club. I’ve been working on a couple of writing projects for awhile, now, and seem to have hit a wall. Lauretta Hannon (The Cracker Queen) spoke on the importance of platform for writers. She kept us on our toes with crucial tips to getting ourselves “out-there.” I totally love that Lauretta, like myself, is a “Whup-Ass Southern Woman”. The “anti-Southern Belle”. I am looking forward to reading her book “The Cracker Queen”.
2 hours into the workshop, our break was announced. Immediately, 100 women ran to get in line for the 2 stalls in the bathroom. Thankfully, I’m retaining water, (another symptom of Mental Pause,) so I wasn’t so desperate to pee just then. So I took the opportunity to buy a book and get it signed. While in the book line, I had a brief conversation with a nice 70-something gent about the book he is writing. Then I got in the (now shorter) bathroom line.
As soon as I came out of the bathroom, the man approached me.
“Would you like to go out with me sometime?” he asked.
Shit!
“Well, I’m married,” I replied.
He looked at my hand. “You are? I don’t guess that would sit too well with your husband,” he replied.
I held up my naked ring finger. “Oh, well, see, I don’t have my wedding band on because I’ve gained so much weight, I don’t know if it’s water or age or what, I had to take it off and I just can’t get it back on and it cuts off my circulation and I’d hate to lose that finger and all, I tried to get it re-sized but it was too expensive so I probably should just lose weight but it’s really hard…
I have no idea the purpose of that aimless babble. We both stood there for an awkward moment before the lights flashed, marking the end of the break.
I dashed back to my seat and pretended to scrutinize my notes.
I felt bad for him, sort of. I mean, he put himself “out there,” which, I bet, is really hard to do. Especially when you’re, um, old. Then again, good for him. I admire his balls. You know what I mean.
After the conference, I ran into him in the doorway.
“Good Luck,” I smiled, not sure if I meant with his book or finding a date.
On the drive home, I thought about the day. The workshop. The man. The necessity to “put ourselves out there” in order to achieve what we want. I vowed to make more of an effort, even at the risk of rejection, to accomplish my goals. Yep, starting now, I’m gonna put myself out there. Thanks, Lauretta. Thanks, Mr. Man.
April 18, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Jules, You are a very good writer. I would buy your books.
Your pal,
Sully
April 18, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Thanks, so much, Sully! I’ll let you know when I get published!
April 18, 2012 at 5:05 pm
I agree with Sully – you put yourself out there quite nicely if I do say so myself, and I do! I’m trying to do the same, but haven’t done my research on blogging and promoting…….hmmm, says here I’m commenting using my WordPress.com account? And if you go there, you’ll see nothing but my profile – haven’t written a thing yet, ’cause I don’t know how to drive traffic to my site yet. I’ll get there, just like you? You definitely got what it takes!
http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/1428443/jeanette_flint.html
April 18, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Thanks for the kind words! Facebook and Twitter are a start, as are workshops and commenting on other people’s blogs. GO ahead, you’ve got nothing to lose!
April 19, 2012 at 9:56 am
Love this post–and not just because it opens with a big screamin’ photo of my book! Seriously, you’ve crafted a great little story. Thanks & cheers. Go Jules!
April 21, 2012 at 8:09 pm
What they said! I truly love reading your words.
April 22, 2012 at 11:52 am
Backatcha, mo
April 22, 2012 at 9:33 am
So happy I met you at Erma! So happy that you “put yourself out there.” Keep writing and keep in touch!
April 22, 2012 at 11:53 am
Ditto that! Thanks for letting me rub your tummy!
April 27, 2012 at 6:48 pm
That was our theme at EBWW too. Good luck and keep trying.
April 28, 2012 at 9:58 am
keeping on keeping on. thanks, sd!
April 29, 2012 at 12:20 am
Aw I’m so envious of you all that got to go!! I’d love recommendations on other writers!!
May 4, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Wasn’t the weekend AMAZING? I’m still walking on clouds from all the laughter and inspiration…
Thanks for visiting my blog – I’m so glad my silly letter gave you some chuckles!
Take care…
🙂 Anna
June 6, 2012 at 10:08 pm
As soon as I initially left a comment I clicked the Notify me any time new comments are added checkbox and currently every time a comment is added I receive four email messages with the exact same comment.
June 6, 2012 at 10:20 pm
hmmmm… sorry about that.