tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post2173967607583796663..comments2024-03-08T20:57:25.380-08:00Comments on Julie Musil, Author: Shy Writers & Approachable AgentsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-71768659606008261492012-11-26T09:14:26.522-08:002012-11-26T09:14:26.522-08:00Girl, I totally feel your pain, although you are m...Girl, I totally feel your pain, although you are much braver than I. I took an incomplete in several college classes, rather than give the 3 to 5 minute oral presentations required of me, thus not earning a degree. I'd rather fail than get up in front of a group. I've written from the time I could write (fiction, songs, poetry), but shudder at the thought of ever trying to publish, due to the fear of having to do interviews, book signings, public appearances and the like. Many have a fear of failure. I have more of a fear of success. If I knew I could stay a recluse and not do public stuff, I would publish away! Any advice on this from you, or anyone, would be greatly appreciated.<br />-Carol<br />shesalwayswriting@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-29752769140532871462012-08-17T10:55:12.049-07:002012-08-17T10:55:12.049-07:00Great post, Julie!
I tend to be really nervous ...Great post, Julie! <br /><br />I tend to be really nervous before a social/professional gathering, but do okay once it starts. I just wish I didn't have all the anxiety before...Sharon K. Mayhewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07799235347319851345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-32670675487137677922012-08-17T10:53:33.776-07:002012-08-17T10:53:33.776-07:00Way to go Julie--pushing yourself to do something ...Way to go Julie--pushing yourself to do something is half the battle I find. There are so many things that I feel anxiety over, but what I try to do is ask myself if what I'm wishing to avoid is something that is holding me back. If it is, I force myself to do it. <br /><br />In social situations, I have a lot of anxiety beforehand, but once I'm in the moment, I'm all right. I think most people feel this way. :) <br /><br />So glad you got to meet your agent! <br /><br />Angela AckermanAngela Ackermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808259088625142389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-65272300419028629852012-08-14T08:11:12.895-07:002012-08-14T08:11:12.895-07:00I can totally relate, too! Bc I get nervous, too. ...I can totally relate, too! Bc I get nervous, too. Anyway, I'm glad you got to meet your agent! YAY!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00482654021641010175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-37513639316379299162012-08-13T19:51:01.626-07:002012-08-13T19:51:01.626-07:00That's an excellent point! We are so lucky to ...That's an excellent point! We are so lucky to have blogs, Twitter, etc. for networking. Then we can write out our thoughts instead of having to come up with them on the fly while in conversation. Glad it went well, otherwise. Sounds like fun!Caryn Caldwellhttp://www.caryncaldwell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-82457369560672978762012-08-13T08:56:26.316-07:002012-08-13T08:56:26.316-07:00I completely relate. I get nervous in these situat...I completely relate. I get nervous in these situations, especially when talking to agents or editors. I'm not sure why, since they are regular people. <br /><br />I'm glad you got through the party and enjoyed yourself. :)Ghenet Myrthilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12621168379560585094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-48211442723339045832012-08-12T11:32:01.280-07:002012-08-12T11:32:01.280-07:00You know I went last year and found it totally ove...You know I went last year and found it totally overwhelming. I think a small contained party isthe best way to go--be there w/o actually being there. And most of the workshops were motivational w/ no insight on craft in 2011. So if you're a motivated person, you're money is probably better spent elsewhere. Just my opinion, and I know other people live for this con...Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09962862566388212238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-17731601319449402902012-08-12T08:41:02.127-07:002012-08-12T08:41:02.127-07:00Thanks so much for your input, guys. Those of you ...Thanks so much for your input, guys. Those of you who are at ease in a crowd, I totally envy you. But it's nice to know I'm not alone with my crowd/stranger phobia :)Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-48016793548972629882012-08-12T06:17:38.269-07:002012-08-12T06:17:38.269-07:00Julie, I think that's why we write--we fear sp...Julie, I think that's why we write--we fear speaking.<br /><br />I'm like you--get me around people I know, and they can't shut me up. Get me in a group of strangers, especially if I'm already feeling intimidated, and I'll try to blend in with the curtains. <br /><br />So glad you got to meet your agent in person. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-50120842024448421722012-08-11T22:04:07.403-07:002012-08-11T22:04:07.403-07:00I never used to have a problem walking into a grou...I never used to have a problem walking into a group... But I'm becoming a recluse!!! I've changed over the past few years. <br />Thank you for sharing your party with us. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-54344911564478689282012-08-11T21:22:48.375-07:002012-08-11T21:22:48.375-07:00I get the gut burn of shyness in big groups, but I...I get the gut burn of shyness in big groups, but I push through. I think of the line in the first Madagascar movie, "Smile and wave, boys." I sure have met some wonderful people at conferences by stepping out of my comfort zone.Leslie S. Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17122865337924270039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-5820672804864368892012-08-11T19:47:01.496-07:002012-08-11T19:47:01.496-07:00I'm totally like you, Julie! I freak out!! I&#...I'm totally like you, Julie! I freak out!! I'm so relieved when those situations are over, even though I enjoy meeting people when I'm actually IN the situation.A.L. Sonnichsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11358456786727534289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-26125972133100718252012-08-11T17:59:44.044-07:002012-08-11T17:59:44.044-07:00I'm the same way at conferences and such~ put ...I'm the same way at conferences and such~ put me at a big event and I'll be blushing too hard to ever raise my hand. And those nightly dinners at tables of eight where you don't know anybody??? I pray for a social butterfly to be at the table and take the attention so I can just eat and listen, like the good Lord intended me to do. I'm such a weenie :)Jesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14121018905141253640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-51036342313822192342012-08-11T17:22:24.720-07:002012-08-11T17:22:24.720-07:00I met Karen on Monday during the agents panel ince...I met Karen on Monday during the agents panel incentive. I was so impressed with her story of how she became an agent. I told afterwards that I thought the word to describe her was tenacious. But I also thought she was very personable and friendly. I wish I had an agent like her -- or any agent at all.Laurisa White Reyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12500840034913586508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-62362798850765842252012-08-11T14:59:40.701-07:002012-08-11T14:59:40.701-07:00I'm so glad you went! But arghhhh, massive jea...I'm so glad you went! But arghhhh, massive jealousy that you got to meet up with Karen. I'm sure you did just fine. I can't really tell if I'm shy or just too busy mentally dissecting other people. (Ya know...research)I do okay when I don't know anyone, but of course, I'm much more comfortable with people I know. Hope you had a great time and when you get a chance, tell me all about it!Michele Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16768815750264631798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-18922301335845914782012-08-11T13:40:21.511-07:002012-08-11T13:40:21.511-07:00Julie, thanks so much for posting about this. I ha...Julie, thanks so much for posting about this. I have always been painfully shy. Like most everyone else here, I'm comfortable with people I know, and I can get up and give a speech or sing in front of thousands of people and be perfectly at ease. But putting me in a room full of strangers I'm supposed to interact with is like my own personal Hell. I just never know what to say to people, and the awkward silence scares the poo out of me.<br /><br />It's comforting to know that a lot of the people in that room have the same fears as me; they just usually have a friend or two there so they're more comfortable and it's not as evident.Becca Puglisihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08945707666707799601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-92103111611267163972012-08-11T13:16:55.429-07:002012-08-11T13:16:55.429-07:00Julie, I was born a totally shy person. Middle kid...Julie, I was born a totally shy person. Middle kid of five, I was uncomfortable around everyone. But my girlfriend could talk to the world. She actually could talk to adults! <br /><br />I always wanted to be like her! So... during school, I ran for student office in order to have to speak to a group. I took speech classes for the same reason. I forced myself out of the box. And I was always uncomfortable. <br /><br />Now I can speak to large groups...but only if I wing it. If I have something rehearsed, I can't remember everything. So I just go cold turkey. <br /><br />Social situations are easy for me. And I can walk up to pretty much anyone in an airport and start a conversation... and usually do. <br /><br />So... go figure. The quiet shy kid who didn't want to be... has broke out of her shell. Today nobody would believe that I am really a shy person inside.<br /><br />On that note, I'm still not totally comfortable in front of groups. But each time it gets easier. <br /><br />Huge kudos for you and breaking outside your comfort zone!!! That's totally how we grow. And growth is a good thing.Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-28080414592089871342012-08-11T12:47:25.174-07:002012-08-11T12:47:25.174-07:00I've always been shy - but I've learned to...I've always been shy - but I've learned to fake it over the years so that most people don't know that. I still occasionally get physically ill before and/or after some event but that's improved along with my acting skills :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-85910721229466276302012-08-11T11:36:53.738-07:002012-08-11T11:36:53.738-07:00Thank you for "hanging a lantern" on one...Thank you for "hanging a lantern" on one of my personal hurdles. We are more a like than you know. I'd rather sing and dance on stage than go into a room of strangers and be "social". Which is just silly, because (as your post makes me realize once again) we all have the same fears. I'll reread this post next time I have to go to a "social" event. :-)elizabethfaishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04054541448639306878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-73385379992374771782012-08-11T11:25:42.533-07:002012-08-11T11:25:42.533-07:00Great post, Julie -- and thank you so very much fo...Great post, Julie -- and thank you so very much for the link to Karen's post!<br /><br />I'm fine on a stage, speaking to a crowd. One-on-one, I have to push myself. I'm trying to learn better skills in this area, and am finding Leil Lowndes' books helpful in this regard (although remembering all her little hints is like juggling seventeen raw eggs at once!).Beth Stilbornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10599767764125204077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-81216446971289013422012-08-11T10:54:29.943-07:002012-08-11T10:54:29.943-07:00I totally know how you feel! I'm always afraid...I totally know how you feel! I'm always afraid of going somewhere where I don't know anyone. I can make friends easily, but it's just the idea of being somewhere where everyone knows each other and I don't sort of freaks me out. Good to know that I'm not the only one! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-45787145481414666652012-08-11T10:19:15.884-07:002012-08-11T10:19:15.884-07:00I can relate to you, Julie. I am quite shy, it tak...I can relate to you, Julie. I am quite shy, it takes me some time to warm up to people, and once I do that then there is no stopping me.Rachna Chhabriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-57226656583988420232012-08-11T09:24:57.207-07:002012-08-11T09:24:57.207-07:00I used to have trouble but I'm getting better ...I used to have trouble but I'm getting better at it. It comes from confidence, and from understanding that most of them are just as uncomfortable as you are. Reaching out to others is a great way to break the ice and make both you and them feel better.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05130733681254163610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-62352549347462784402012-08-11T08:42:40.077-07:002012-08-11T08:42:40.077-07:00I'm the farthest thing from witty, but I adore...I'm the farthest thing from witty, but I adore meeting & chatting with new people. I used to be painfully shy, but I simply reached the point of total comfort with myself. If someone is going to judge me on anything but who I am inside, then I don't need or want to know them. I'm a WYSIWYG through & through. I'm not sure why I changed. Age maybe. It's not really confidence so much as it is not caring how I am judged. I know who I am & I'm cool with that. Plus, I just really dig meeting new characters, I mean people! Haha!Nancy Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05735642863696266005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206355073837906221.post-33078767910869532942012-08-11T08:31:27.040-07:002012-08-11T08:31:27.040-07:00Excellent listener mode...excellent idea! But I im...Excellent listener mode...excellent idea! But I imagine you going places with your ninja army following you like groupies :)Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.com