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Island Life, Word Birds & Process
I could just as easily call this post, ‘Unaccustomed as I am to Public Speaking’ only it’s been done before &, unexpectedly, I find it’s no longer true.
Yesterday’s event, hosted by the National Women’s Register: NWR, was sandwiched between two trying journeys. Deciding to eschew the motorway in favour of the prettier route, I got hideously lost in Abergavenny. No disrespect, pretty town, but honestly – road signs? Getting lost in Abergavenny was only the beginning. Further on, having mislaid a small but crucial bit of the A48 (which I suspect doesn’t in fact exist), having missed A Vital Exit & finding myself on the motorway heading for London (don’t ask) I then drove for twelve miles trying not to cry. My inner stroppy bitch bullied me into getting a grip & finally I made it to the venue, the très posh Coldra Court Hotel, at reception, doing a passable impression of a red-faced, deranged bag lady.
(The going home bit was via the motorway & all can say about that is, thank goodness & pretty is as pretty does…)
The event was billed as A Celebration of Women’s Writing & my brief was to talk about my writing, road to publication & the story behind the story of Ghostbird. It was almost certainly The Horrid Journey that brought out the Fear again. A smaller than expected audience meant close scrutiny & nowhere to hide. Bring on the butterflies…
And yet…
It was fine. I was fine. I enjoyed myself & to my surprise found the Q & A session, which I had dreaded, easy. These things really are just conversations. Some delightful & gratifying feedback was the icing on the cake. When your reader gets you, it makes everything about the writing worth it.
This public speaking lark isn’t so scary after all. Not as scary as the route through Abergavenny at any rate…
Although I missed the talks by Judith Barrow & Bethan Darwin (sister Honno authors) I did get to hear the redoubtable & feisty Lleucu Seincyn, CEO from Literature Wales. Her passion & determination to make girls visible in literature made me want to punch the air.
And Penny Thomas from Firefly Press & Seren Books gave a fascinating talk on her experiences as a publisher. Firefly is the brainchild of Penny & editor, Janet Thomas. If you are looking for classy books for 8-11 year-olds, look no further!
Special thanks to Natalie Punter, the organiser of the event for her efficiency & kindness. To everyone who attended, contributed & took part, thanks to you too. Without an audience, without readers & book-buyers, writers, literally, are lost.
Making it up as I go along 
I felt for you yesterday when you arrived after your horrible journey, Carol. Once you started your talk, no one would have known how stressed you’d been. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you and finding out more about how the story of Blodeuwedd fits with ‘Ghostbird’. What you had to say was so much in tune with the theme of the day. 🙂 I hope you had a restful day today.
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Jan, you can have no idea how much your words mean to me. Part of the ‘fear’ was a concern that my theme – laced with my feminist agenda – might *not* be in tune. I went with my instincts, trusted my audience & decided not to underestimate it. And here you are with your words – & here am I – smiling & nodding. Thank you so much. xXx
ps: My day was spent resting, reading & not a lot else!
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I’m glad the talk went so well, Carol. I had no doubt you’d be fabulous. You’re a very engaging speaker – I know because I was at your reading from Ghostbird at the Llandeilo Book Fair last spring and we were all hanging on your every word. You handled the session so beautifully I thought you’d been doing it for years. It was only later I found out it was your very first public reading and Q&A! I’m just sorry I couldn’t be at Newport yesterday. I’d have loved to hear you talk about Ghostbird again.
What an awful journey, though – I can totally empathise with your feelings of despair. I’ve been there (literally) because I hate driving on the M4 too. And I’m so glad someone else has an inner stroppy bitch. Mine shouts at me ‘You can do this’ when I suddenly get nervous. I find, with hindsight, she’s usually right.
Thanks for another inspiring post.
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How kind you are, Sara – & generous! I do feel as if I’m slowly getting the hang of this public speaking lark. A kind audience makes a huge difference.
It was the idea of repeating the Abergavenny journey that saw me opt for the M4 home. At least I knew the way & wouldn’t be in danger of getting lost! After a long day & as I was so tired it was the safest option.
We have another thing in common it seems, apart from our taste in music! In my view, every woman needs a ‘stroppy bitch’ alter-ego to get her through the challenges. xXx
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The fact that this went better than expected (the talk I mean not the journey) should give you more confidence for the next one Carol
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