Last October, I got a message from a someone named Traci Skuce. I’d had no idea who she was, but the message she sent through my blog site was intriguing.
The note said she “stumbled across my blog” she said and “she loved it.”
My twisted writer brain went right to that place of shock and surprise…
Wow, someone not only reads my blog but also “loves” it. Should I get up and dance a fancy jig or go hide. It was the epitome of beating back the Imposter Syndrome that sneaks in and claims each of us at times. Read how award winning author Jennifer Manual still experiences it.
But I digress…
Back to Traci Skuce…
I read the rest of the note and she invited me to participate in a Writer’s Summit. She said she would interview me (and several other writerly type people) and then would put together a series for people to learn from and enjoy.
So, I did what any normal person would do–
I googled Traci to see who in the heck was sending me such offers and flattery. It didn’t take me long to see that she is also a B.C.* writer and totally legit. (her info is at the end of this post.)
Well, how cool is that? We exchanged several emails and chatted about her plans for the Summit and I signed on to participate.
Now let’s face it, that’s pretty pretty frikken awesome, right? Out of all the people she could have chosen, she chose me.
This is a lesson for all really.
Anytime you write, anytime you share, anytime you put yourself out there, people are watching, reading, and judging. The internet is the world and we really have absolutely no idea who’s watching you. A little spooky. A little exhilarating.
Okay, back to Traci Skuce again.
She interviewed me via Zoom just before Christmas. We chatted and laughed but in all honesty, I have no idea what was actually said. Sigh…It was like a chat with a friend.
Now, one of the hardest things to do is put yourself ‘out there’… It’s tough. But I did learn a long time ago that in order to have a successful blog you also need to go live. Traci Skuce made this happen and I thank her.
I still have not watched my interview but promise I will–someday. I have received many notes from writers who appreciated and share my crazy energy and love for writing.
Don’t try and be anything you’re not. Just be you and it’ll take you far.
Thanks Again to Traci Skuce for the opportunity and who knows, maybe we’ll do it again.
*Traci Skuce is a writer from British Columbia, Canada. (Same province as me but probably 600 miles apart). Here is her Facebook Page and her website here.
Loved this, “Don’t try and be anything you’re not. Just be you and it’ll take you far.”
Thanks,
Nancy
Ah Thanks for the kind words Nancy. It’s taken a life time of reminders but maybe it’s sinking in. lol. xoxo
That is so interesting. I think I would feel the same way if I got a review on my book from someone I didn’t know. I have 4-5 reviews from friends and family. I would love to get one from someone I didn’t know. This is not as big a thing as your story but it makes me think that I know how you feel about your blog being discovered.
Hi Heather. Yeah, it’s interesting because my first instinct is to poo poo it. It will happen with your book. I still haven’t read it…looking for some down time but it’s in my TBR pile. Thanks Heather. oxox
Hello Faye…It was after I saw your interview with Traci that I went directly to your site to subscribe to your blog. I was so inspired by the things you said. Thank you!
I had a similar experience the other day when a Poet Laureate from a town in BC said she was glad to meet me and that she’d read me in “BIG.” I couldn’t believe that she knew who I was..
That is awesome! Yup, you put yourself out there and boom…. We have no idea do we? I love that she read BIG. Thanks Sally. xoxo
Hey Faye,
I watched part of your interview and so enjoyed what you had to say. ESPECIALLY the part about going to a conference and thinking you’re doing it all wrong. I’m wrestling with a memoir right now and have surrendered the idea that I ‘should’ be doing certain things.
I’m also holding writing and imrov webinars to help people tell pivotal moments in their life in the form of a monologue. That’s the form I’m most familiar with. The folks I work with most are people who live mental illness (as I do) and want to tell parts of their story.
Thanks for inspiring me.
PS: I too am in BC (but 600 miles away on the Sunshine Coast in Halfmoon Bay. 😊
Warm wishes, Victoria
Victoria Maxwell – Canadian Leader in Mental Health
Victoria Maxwell BFA, BPP* / Please visit http://www.victoriamaxwell.com
*Bachelor of Fine Arts / Bi-Polar Princess
Visit Victoria’s Psychology Today ‘Crazy for Life’ blog
Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll still get hit if you just sit there ~ Will Rogers
Hi Victoria. Omg…thank you for such a thoughtful letter. I so appreciate it. I’m so glad you were able to have some take away from my video. It’s mind boggling because everyone says you’re doing it wrong when really all you’re doing is “different” or “unique”… Keep me informed about your webinars. sounds interesting. With your involvement in Mental Health you may enjoy some of my Auntie Says posts.
And Victoria….I have to tell you a little story about Half Moon Bay… My hubby and I hit the road in our motorhome last October. My niece is on the Sunshine Coast so we headed there to visit…there were no travel restrictions at the time. Anyways, we were driving down Red Roof Road when hubby decided to turn around but didn’t realize the huge dip… ugh! We were left wedged into the road as we straddled the dip. lol…Some man helped us with his tractor …. never will I ever forget Half Moon Bay, B.C. xoxo
Love this post!! So encouraging to ’get out there’. Thanks for sharing the story! Super fun!!
Thanks Toma. You bet! We all have to get out there don’t we. Thanks for commenting! It means a lot. xo
That’s amazing! Congrats! Thanks for the reminder 😊 and your right. Be yourself!
Hey Azilde. Yes. Be yourself and get out of your comfort zone.I think those were the two big take aways for me. I’m a bit of a babbler when I get going but still so much fun. xoxo