Just Like Shania, I'm On My Way

Eeep! I've been invited to speak at a panel for The Canada East Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators on Saturday April 29, at the Deerhurst Resort and Conference Centre. I'll be talking briefly about the path I took to get me where I am now. (Where am I now?) I'll also be bringing copies of my two little illustrated books, Fifty Little Penguins, and A Sticky Mess, just in case anyone is crazy enough to buy them.

It goes without saying that I will be nervous. I'm quite the chatterbox, but I've never spoken at a conference before. Any pearls of wisdom from people experienced in this area would be much appreciated!

It should be a nice weekend. I'll be arriving Friday, and going back on Sunday. I'm told the hotel rooms are very nice. I'm even bringing the hubby so he can enjoy the room, while I am off galavanting and socializing with with all these talented people. It just seems a shame to waste the room (which I'm told has a fireplace!), doesn't it? Mind you, if he opens up that little liquor fridge, I'll throttle him.

Oh, and if you're wondering about the title of this post, way back when Shania Twain was just starting out, she used to perform on a regular basis at The Deerhurst Inn. Some say that's where she really started to make a name for herself. And speaking of names, Shania (which isn't her real name) apparently means "I'm on my way" in Ojibwa.

Regarding my own career, I guess I am on my way, too. I'm just not sure exactly where to! But that's half the fun, ain't it?

Comments

[Brian Fies]

I'm very new at this kind of thing myself, but before I spoke at my first comics convention Stephan Pastis gave me some advice that I've found to be true: Relax. There's nothing to be nervous about because you're talking about yourself. No one knows your story better than you, and if you get something wrong no one will know but you.

The rest of my answer depends on how long you plan to speak. If it's for more than a half hour or so, you may want to prepare at least an outline so your talk has some structure and flow...takes the audience from A to B. You may even want a PowerPoint presentation ("and this is the first important cartoon I sold") to keep the audience from dozing off.

But if you're answering questions from a moderator, speaking for less than 15 minutes, or in a less formal setting, I think you'll be fine winging it. My last couple of appearances I've prepared a single index card with four or five notes of the points I wanted to be sure to hit, and that's all. If it doesn't fit on one index card, I say you're overthinking it.

Leave a modest amount of time at the end for questions. People will probably have fewer than you think, maybe two or three. This will probably not be the exciting intellectual give-and-take you may imagine, and you don't want to leave dead air at the end.

Relax and enjoy, it sounds like a very well-deserved honor!

[Pete]

Remember--just imagine that everyone in the audience is naked. Or at least the attractive ones, anyway.

[Isabella]

I have no advice to offer, only congratulations. Enjoy the room, the fridge, the lounge!

[R J Keefe]

Congratulations! Wish I could be there!

[Kate S.]

After hearing how poised and articulate you were talking about books on the radio, I have no doubt that you will be fabulous in person on a conference panel. Have fun!

[Stefanie]

Congratulations! Just be your wonderful self and everyone will enjoy your time in the spotlight :)

[zhoule]

Congrads. I'm sure that if you speak just like you write in this blog, you'll do fine.

[ami]

That's great news! Congratulations!
I agree with the other comments...just be yourself, enjoy the moment, have no expectations. (and if all else fails, break into an extended dance-mix version of "I Feel Like a Woman")
You go, Shania (umm, I mean Patricia)!

Good on ya!
ami

[liam]

Go get 'em, Patrica! You definitely deserve to be up there on the panel. Brian's advice is perfect: relax and have fun. You are the expert, you are in charge and you are the one the others are aspiring to be! I'm constanly having doubts about "where I am" in my career. I just think it means that you have a healthy sense of perspective and that you still have that fire in your belly that'll move you onto the next level. Most of all remember to have fun on the day!

[Arethusa]

Ok, I can't give any advice, but I can offer lots and lots of congratulations! You'll do swell, I know it.

[cipriano]

Congratulations Patricia, this sounds very exciting. I know that you will do such a terrific job of it. I remember hearing you interview Rex Murphy, and you were amazing, so naturally.... GOOD!
And my only advice would be please... PLEASE... do not sing "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under." There are so many better Shania-tunes to choose from!