Debi Graham-Leard

During March and April, I’ve been fortunate to give my author talk at libraries here in Massachusetts, PA and DE, plus a senior complex in MD. Some have been well attended, others not so much. Regardless of the amount of PR efforts, there’s no way to predict the number of readers who will make the effort to hear an unknown author speak. I try not to take it personally, but simply appreciate those who do show up, and share my writing journey with all the enthusiasm I can muster.

What I need to keep in mind is that the next person who will request my author talk for their organization might be sitting in the audience!

I have found that if I speak about my ‘story’ rather than my ‘book’, sharing my writing experience is not only easier, but more palatable to the audience.

Several talks to closed groups are scheduled in the coming weeks, but it’s time to make follow-up phone calls and emails to potential venues who did not respond to my initial inquiry. I’m also planning to contact the 55+ active senior communities in the area.

All in all, it’s been a delightful spring for ‘The Uninvited  Guest’. I’ll continue to encourage audience members to try their hand at putting a story on paper.