The thing they don’t tell you about being a writer is that you have to *gasp* talk to people. Only a rare breed of writers can emerge out of nowhere, release a book, and vanish. For the rest of us talking about books, writing, and other topics (to mix up talking about books) is how we find readers and make a little noise about our stories
This presents a few challenges for introverted homebody writers, who need to develop a few skills sets in that matter, whether it’s attending events, going on podcasts, or chatting with strangers who managed to recognize you.
There’s a lots of advice about there about public speaking, but some of the best advice I heard boils down into two things:
- Have in mind 2-3 things you want people to know about your books
- Be willing to get out of your comfortable zone
I won’t say it’s simple, but you’re already putting yourself out there with words, why not the rest of you? Which is why I have a number of events planned this year.
Here, There, and More to Come
So far, I have a event each month and it’s been going to places I haven’t been before and meeting new people.
2025 is a year of me doing different things, some I never had before, because I wanted to start jumping into situations I would have avoided in the past.
I went to RavenCon for this first time year, and despite some hints of rain had a rather lovely time. You could tell the con had been here for a while for they had a marvelous setup. I also enjoyed they had commuter lounge that I could pop in for a breather.
Getting Outside Helps With Writing
I’ve been busy since the start of the year, always feeling I’m a rush or time crush. But the moments I had to pause have been wonderful.
Recently I made a trip to Richmond only to find that my intended plans got canceled at the last minute.
Deciding to not just turn around, I took it as an opportunity to check out a bookstore I hadn’t been to before and ended at Shelf Life Books. Where I got to browse through new and used books, and found the store’s cat very helpful!
That whole day, reminded me the benefit of taking a long moment to pause and just simple be. I have spent a lot of time these past few months fretting and planning for the future, that I forget when the future arrives to enjoy it.
Taking a pause also helped me take a step back and figure out how to tackle the short piece I’ve been working on.
Filling the Well or Let Me Gush About SINNERS
This movie is so good, it got me scrambling around trying to figure out to get to theaters, instead of waiting to hit on demand. (Which I do quite often, I’ve a VERY patient person!)
Sinners is a movie that deserves to be seen on the big screen if only to enjoy that standout moment in the juke joint. I predict it’s a moment that’ll inspire many works, it certainly has for me.
Beyond that, I really enjoyed sinking into a fully original story, that takes its time to let you know the central players you’re following. By the time the main crew is gathered into the juke, you have enough sense to care about them before things start getting exciting.
Similarly the fantasy element, the vampire(s) don’t drop in until midway into the story, which is another strength of the story. Most films these days launches you right into the action with only a token setup. You don’t get a chance to spend time to appreciate the world and the characters before everything changes. Sinners also builds suspense by using historical tensions and the opening of the film that hinted that something went horribly wrong, letting it loom over even the brightest moments.
The only weakness for me was that the twins felt interchangeable, like a copy of one person instead of two people. If they weren’t color coded, I would have never known who was who, as lot the mannerisms were the same, and the difference were too subtle to catch upon first viewing. Who knows maybe it was on purpose!
The Improvisers wins an award!
While I was at RavenCon I was awarded The Webster Award, given for outstanding writing for a SFF Viriginia Author.
I’m delighted and touched by such an honor!
Upcoming Events
Mystery Book Fair
Preppy Peacock Bookstore in Hertford, NC
I’ll be at the Preppy Peacock Bookstore between 10 AM – 12PM on May 24th, with Esme Addison and Katherine Schellman joining in on the fun later that day.
Balticon
Head out to Baltimore, MD and meet me Sunday, May 25th at Balticon!
Reading: 10 AM
Panel: Lightbulb Moments: How Authors Develop Ideas 11:30 AM
Panel: Assembling Your Cast 2:30 PM
Signing: 7 PM
Imaginarium Book Festival
If you’re in the DMV, Come find me on June 6 & 7 at The Imaginarium Book Festival!
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Nicole Glover is a fantasy writer and the author the Murder and Magic series which includes THE IMPROVISERS. Her next book is THE STARSEEKERS, forthcoming 1/6/26
Nicole Glover 