Monday, January 4, 2010

I need a little help from my friends...

So one of the goals I listed on Friday that I hope to accomplish in 2010 was facing my fear of public speaking. I mentioned that I was asked, and I agreed (gulping again) to teach a workshop at the FaithWriters conference in August. This is exciting for me, and flattering I might add, but it also causes the sweat to start staining the pits of my sweatshirt. TMI, I know. But I'm just being real.

Anyway, I need your help. Yes, I need your prayers (Hey, I'll take as many of those as I can get!) and I wouldn't turn away from your encouragement, but what I also need are some suggestions.

What type of suggestions? Glad you asked.

I would like to know what you want to learn about. What is a topic YOU would like me to speak on? And no, it can't be cooking. Not only can I barely make my kids a can of soup, this is a WRITING conference. So the subject has to relate to writing in some form or another. I was going to list a few categories to choose from, but I changed my mind. I want fresh perspectives. I will probably post a plea for help a couple of times before commiting to a specific topic, because I really want your opinion. Seeing how I am deathly afraid of speaking in public, I at least want to know I'm speaking about a subject YOU want to learn about. Nothing would feed my fear more than nobody signing up for my workshop.

Then again...the less people attending, the less to be afraid of, right? Hmmm. On second thought, why don't you pass along ideas on topics you have NO interest in. Yeah, let's go with that.

9 comments:

Sandra Heska King said...

If I were to come, I would want to hear you speak on whatever infects YOUR heart and fans YOUR flame. Cuz that will be contagious and spread.

Lynda Lee Schab said...

Thanks, Sandra. That's the problem, though. LOTS of things fan my flame. LoL. I figure if I get some good suggestions from you guys, it would set me off in the right direction. :-)

Karen Lange said...

I would appreciate knowing how you organize your thoughts when writing. Some of my projects come together easily, and others are scattered and harder to work through. I always like hearing how other writers put their work together. But then too, I would love to hear you speak about anything. You can almost always learn something no matter what the topic. Will pray for you:)
Blessings!

Di Smith said...

OK, since I'm gonna be there and waiting on the edge of my seat to hear your oh-so-wise words (no pressure or anything :l ), here's my two cents...

How about blogging or networking? You seem to do that well. Or finding and maintaining your "voice" in writing? What about focusing on a genre like chick lit or whatever it's called now? That may alienate the men and all....

How about writing contests? (since you win 'em all, not that I'm bitter or anything LOL) Man, I could go on forever with suggestions. Being quiet to let someone else talk now.

Lynda Lee Schab said...

Great suggestions! I will put them in the hat... :-)

Pat Guy said...

I think another thing you are gifted in is research and info for the writer.

Sometimes we just need the information that can jump-start our *umph* to get going.


I love your resources because they are concise, user friendly and 'useable' immediately.

That gives us something to work on with no excuses.

I think it would also be awesome to have a hand out of a lot of the info you have already posted.

Especially those places to publish, links to guidlines, and anything else you feel we could use.

I know Sally's has a lot of stuff but it can be overwhelming.

Woohoo! If I go, I can't wait to be there and make silly faces atcha! Too fun! LOL!

Hugs ...

Diane Seth said...

I think I'd like to learn about how to keep up with technology. I'm still in the mind set of write it down and then type it. How does an technology outdated girl like me make the transition??

quietspirit said...

Lynda:
I deal with managing my time. Maybe some of those attending have the same problem.

Catrina Bradley said...

Characterization. I can't quite seem to conquer that skill. When I get the rare comment on my "great characterization," I'm not even sure what I did right.

Of course that's probably too specific, huh?