I have to give a shout-out to the organizers of the Fox Cities Book Festival. You guys really know what you’re doing. A weeklong series of literary events? Book talks and presentations by actual, real-life authors? And it’s all FREE?!? (*picking jaw up from floor and grinning like a fool*)
I first heard about the festival when my author friend Melissa Gorzelanczyk was asked to speak about her YA novel ARROWS last year. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend her presentation. But (lucky me!) I started following the festival’s event announcements. And I was thrilled to learn earlier this year that Emily Bleeker — one of my writing role models — was scheduled to present.
Not only is Emily a best-selling author, a distance runner and a cancer survivor, she’s also the busy mom of FOUR kids. (Yes, count ’em, 1-2-3-4.) She was introduced to me online last year by a mutual friend, and right off the bat she gave me some amazing advice about agents that I would’ve felt too stupid asking anyone else.
Her latest book, WORKING FIRE, was released this fall, and she has another book due in spring 2018. I can’t wait. And when I heard the topic of her talk: “Writing, Reading, Editing and … Folding 27 Loads of Laundry,” I immediately cleared my calendar.
My biggest takeaway from her talk last night? Don’t be afraid to say NO — as in, protect your time. As an author, a lot of what I do looks very passive — like I’m just sitting in front of my computer. Interrupting me doesn’t seem like a big deal. To be serious about writing means giving yourself time to do your work, even if that means saying “no” to some volunteer opportunities at your kids’ school or declining invitations to events during the day.
My other favorite point (it was hard to narrow it down to two) is don’t be afraid to say YES! Be open to events and opportunities that might help you further your career as a writer. Take chances, be brave and trust your talent. You’ll never get anywhere if you aren’t willing to take a step forward.
Sometimes I feel like this area is a bit closed off from the literary world. I feel removed from the hustling-bustling New York publishing scene here in Small Town, Wis. And I kind of feel like no big-shot agent is going to take me seriously because I’m at such a geographical disadvantage. But then I go to an event like Emily’s presentation; it was just 20 minutes away in Kaukauna. And I realize how lucky I am to be surrounded not only by the literary brilliance of my fellow writers, but also by the overwhelming support of the librarians, educators and community members who’ve brought us 10 years of Fox Cities Book Festivals. I couldn’t be more grateful.