The reading date is set. It will be the first public reading, in a very long time, from my book. I've been working on this project for10 years, and I'm focusing in on the first 100 pages to get it to an editor. Although,I am thrilled to have the date set, and sure it is time to start building energy around the book, I am terrified. The material has become much more personal than I ever thought it would, and richer because of it. Do I really want my clients, who will fill the audience, to know me that well?
Ugh. Self-doubt would like to settle in my body. My brain wants to think it has control, by saying nasty little things to me, like, "Maybe it's too soon." "You're getting ahead of yourself." "You're diffusing the energy of the book, so it will be anticlimactic when it gets published, if it publishes." Dealing with the demons are a full-time job these days.
Even so, I find myself talking about the date, and letting clients know. I've invited some friends from the Squaw Valley Writer's Conference to read with me, their company and support will be a great help. You know sometimes you just have to do what you have to do, regardless of the fear that is the size of football in your gut? This is one of those things, I've just got to do.
Oh, yeah. The date is February 28, 2008 at Keter Salon 1815 Suite A Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710.