Why All the Jitters?

Me looking nervous at my very first book-related appearance

Restarting the blog for the fifty-seventh time!

Since you last heard from me, I was celebrating the release of my debut novel, Bird Nerd. Since then, I’ve slowly been making the rounds of promotional events (they’re listed on my home page, btw). As an introvert who just happens to be good at faking extroversion, I had to deal with a lot of nerves before my very first outing, which took place at the Kent County Public Library in Dover. I was only one of about ten writers who had tables at the event, and no official speeches were required…and yet I was petrified.

And guess what? It was fine. Everything was fine. And I even sold a few books.

Then came a book signing at the brand-new independent bookstore that opened up in my town. Also terrifying. Why? Because although Milford is technically a city, it still has a smallish town feel to it. If I embarrassed myself, I most certainly would have to move.

The Crafty Reader, Milford's fabulous local independent bookstore

And guess what? Everything was fine. And I sold even more books.

Barnes & Noble came next, and the scary part of that was—well, it was Barnes & Noble! Although by then the nerves were starting to be less of an issue.

How did it go? Well, see above.

Me getting set up at Barnes & Noble

But soon I would have the fright of all frights—a school visit! Although I didn’t have to show up in person (it was virtual), this would be the first time I had to actually plan and deliver a presentation. I started off that morning with a round of yoga, then spent the remaining pre-presentation time rehearsing, praying, taking nerve calming aids, etc.

If only I had known that the hour with the kids would fly by! The third through fifth graders at Gallaher Elementary Virtual Academy asked lots of questions, were enthusiastic about the bird ID game, and sent me the most wonderful thank you notes via Google Slides.

Just days later I had a great time at North Dover Elementary’s Black History Month celebration. It had been a while since I was actually inside an elementary school, and being there gave me the warm fuzzies! I even got a tour of the school library, which was fabulous!

So by now, I really shouldn’t worry, right?  Of course, I know there’s no guarantee that every event will go as planned or be a resounding success. But worrying isn’t going to change anything. I’m reminded of Matthew 6:27—which, by the way, is right after Jesus speaks about observing the birds of the air: “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”

Almost forgot--I also appeared on a podcast!

Sure, having a few jitters is natural, and it’s not necessarily bad. Often that kind of nervous excitement keeps us on our toes. Worrying, on the other hand, is really the epitome of being unproductive. It takes up energy but produces nothing. Well, at least nothing worthwhile.

So that’s one lesson learned…for now. I have a feeling I’ll be coming back from time to time for a bit of re-learning.