Getting Out of My Comfort Zone

by Rebecca Talley

I did a book signing the weekend before last. The signing was great, but I learned even more on the way home. The four of us, Tristi Pinkston, Daron Fraley, Don Carey, and I stopped at libraries and bookstores between Logan and Salt Lake. Following Tristi's lead, I learned from a fearless master to step out of my comfort zone and approach people about my book.


I don't have a problem talking to people. I can talk for a long time (just ask my kids), but talking to someone about my author self and my books is something altogether different. I always feel funny talking up my book because I feel like I'm bragging and being conceited or something. I love to talk writing and I love my books, but I don't want people to think of me as a salesperson trying to pawn off my books. Yet, if I don't talk about my books than I may not be doing part of my job as an author. It's a catch-22 for me.

I used to think being an author meant I wrote books. That's true, but that isn't the whole picture. Promotion and marketing are a big part of being an author. With so many great LDS books by so many talented authors, how will I stand out, especially if I don't try to promote mine? And, yet, I feel like that obnoxious car salesman that won't leave you alone for two seconds.

I haven't been too vocal about my books in the area where I live. I have visited, and even done a book launch, at an area LDS bookstore (I've known the owners forever) and I've contacted the newspaper to do an article. But, other than that, I've left my promotion to what I can do online because I'm way cooler online. But, after watching Mistress Tristi in action, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a few more things in my area.

I visited an area library and asked if I could leave bookmarks, but was told I couldn't and that left me a little deflated. But I decided not to give up and visited Hastings Bookstore and asked again. Not only did they allow me to leave bookmarks, but asked if I'd like to do a book signing. A few days later, I visited another nearby library. After slipping on the ice and landing in a snowbank, I wiped myself off, shook the snow out of my shoe, dusted off my purse, and asked if I could leave bookmarks. I was pleasantly surprised when the librarian there agreed to let me. I then went to a bookstore near that library and was able to leave bookmarks. The gentleman even asked me to call back so they could get more information and help promote a local author. Hooray!!

I'd still much rather write than promote. And if I never had to promote again, I'd be happy. But, it is what it is and stepping out of my comfort zone didn't actually kill me so I may try it again. Someday.

PS I ordered 1000 bookmarks from http://www.nextdayflyers.com/, both sides, glossy finish for about $60. I chose the 2-4 business day turnaround on a Wednesday and had my bookmarks the following Monday morning. I'd recommend this company.

Comfort?

If anyone has read Carol Tuttle's new book, "It's Just My Nature" which is about personality profiling based on the earths elements, you'll know what I'm talking about when I say that I'm a 2. I have always thought myself to be a quiet, gentle, go-with-the-flow type of person. I like soft things, and I love to be comfortable. So the entire time I was reading about "2's" I kept thinking, "No way, that's totally me. It's like they just copied my personality and put it in this book, even the weird, quirky things, like hanging onto everything."

The personality trait I'd like to focus on is comfort. Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to make Caramel Apple Crisp and plug mine and Michelle Stewart's cookbook, "The Diet Rebel's Cookbook: Eating Clean and Green" (coming April, 2010) on Studio 5. While this was a very exiting chance to share my talents and the things I've learned about how sprouting grains partially digest gluten and starch and increases nutrients, I was largely uncomfortable for two reasons.

1. I was nervous about how it would all turn out, if I would say everything I wanted to or if I would say something totally embarrassing, if I would get there on time, if I remembered to bring everything, if I would blush or make a fool of myself on live TV, etc.

2. I was wearing really uncomfortable high heals. Now, comfort is important to me, so part of me said, "It's not like your feet are going to be filmed. Wear your three-year-old, toe-scuffed everyday shoes. Your feet will thank you." But the other part of me quickly said, "You need to dress up, and you can't wear those things! Besides, you never know, they might get a shot of your feet." I opted for style over comfort.

So there I was, walking and standing for a few hours. My feet were killing me, and so were the butterflies attacking me from the inside. But I discovered something very interesting, and that was, when I was focused on setting up, placing things where I wanted them to go, chatting with the people there, and observing my surroundings and the other segments that went on before me, I paid no attention to my discomfort. Likewise, every time I had time to just think, those discomforts came to mind.

Sharing talents, whether through writing or other things, can sometimes take us our of our comfort zone. I've discovered that this is very good. I have also discovered that when I focus on the task at hand; the message I wish to share and if it has the potential to touch and uplift the lives of others and myself, that I'm naturally more comfortable. Sometimes I'm just downright happy! And that is a very good feeling. Now I just need to work on my shoes.