Writing and Talking Are Completely Different!



I may have signed myself up for something that currently terrifies me. Ooops. So, for context, I'm on the board for the Christian Writer's Group I go to, and we had a board retreat over the weekend. And I let the person in charge of scheduling people for the Writer's Coach segment put my name down for October. Here's the thing. I like talking about writing and stories, and I love being able to help people. However.

Talking about things and writing things are totally different. I haven't done any public speaking in a while, so my stomach is getting all the butterflies when I think about going up to stand in front of a bunch of people, some who I know, some who I dont. That's not even the worst part! Haha! I'm really good at comparing myself to others, and my mind immediately goes to: What if I'm not as good a speaker as the others? So many people could do a better job, and have! Why did I sign up for this?

So I have to argue back and remind myself that comparing myself to others isn't the point. The point is, I get to take a turn to talk and maybe help someone! No-one knows things quite the same way I do, and if I can share something from my experience that's helped me, it might help someone else. But arguing against the fear is really, really hard. Worth it, but hard. So! Take it from me and don't let the fear win. I'll update you in October how the writer's coach bit went (they're giving me ten minutes!!). <3 

(Pic taken by the amazing Sonja Anderson! And if you look closely, you can spot the head of a curious seal in the background.)

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