The stage is set, the scene ready and whether it’s a book, movie or real life, when the reverend says, “Speak now or forever hold your peace” the crowd is silent and unmoving. For those few moments, they wait…will anyone have the guts to stand and say something?
I kind of feel like my first novel is like that marriage waiting to be blessed, only I am the one needing to speak up. If I want anyone to read my novel, I have to share it. Or, I could stay silent and not risk failure…that would be the safe way to go.
This last week, I have been preparing for my speaking engagement on Thursday for Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women. What does it have to do with my novel? Nothing. But it has everything to do with meeting new people, making connections and growing as an author.
What a great privilege I have, bringing awareness to girl bullying and the opportunity to build my platform at the same time.
Speaking has never been a problem for me. I love to talk, ask anyone who knows me! But I have not spoken at any “real” events since I developed a brain disease years ago.
The words in my head often times don’t make it past my lips. Like a deer in the headlights, I become frozen with fear. Not wanting to make a fool of myself, I just don’t take the risk. I recognize the need to face this fear that cripples me, my dream as an author and my message on girl bullying. On this Take a Risk Tuesday, I will speak now or forever hold my peace.
Have you recently spoke up about something it would have been easier to stay silent about?
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