I am preparing a presentation for the Montana State Reading Council. I’ll be the keynote speaker on Friday the 17th at the Great Falls Best Western Heritage Inn. Am I terrified? Absolutely.The last time I spoke in public I completely bombed (and I’m not just making it up or trying to paint it worse than it is: I BOMBED!)
The talk will be titled: Breaking All the Rules: A Rebel’s Path to Publication
What are the types of things you would like to know about how I got published? What would interest you? Give me some ideas! I’m so scared.
Also, would you prefer an interactive talk that incorporated some powerpoint, or just a down-home talk?
I’m also going to be giving some breakout sessions about using rhyme in the classroom. Leave me some of your best ideas and I may include them in my talk!
K…..
Jealous! Wish I could be there to hear you speak. It is always fascinating to hear ones journey. If I were there I would love to hear about your road to getting published and the challenges you faced. Whenever I go to a conference, I want to leave inspired. Listening about the struggle and then the success is invaluable. Gives the rest of us hope. Especially if I can take a few nuggets home with me that I can work on to feel like I am progressing forward.
So that would be it in a nutshell. Your journey (ups/downs) and some key advice to take home.
xo
Oh Karma…big hugs. I am terrified of speaking in public too, but I know you will do great.
I am jealous too and wish I could hear what you have to say. If I were there I would want to know all about your journey…did you have an agent or not, if so how did you find one, if not how did you go about submitting your first book, did you submit to several different publishing companies, were you ever rejected, how have you overcome discouragement, what was you reaction to your first writing success…the list could go on and I would want to pick your brain for hours.
Just remember how many people , like me for instance, think you are great and that you have valuable experience and encouragement to share with others. I know you will do great. And even if it doesn’t go as well as you hope, just go home and have a big bowl of ice cream and read one of your amazingly enchanting childrens books…it will remind you of the beautiful talent God has given you.
I would definitely want to hear down home sharing on who you are, why you wanted to write, the gut wrenching emotions you felt and the roadblocks/stumbling blocks along the way, which creates a teensy bit of tension we all love. Then, let us know how you overcame, how it’s changed you. (This is starting to sound like the skeleton of a story, isn’t it?) We need to connect with you, not a powerpoint. But. . .a brief powerpoint could be an awesome tool, if it wove visual humor into your talk. Finally, reel us all in by inspiring us to follow our own path to success, whether writing or otherwise.
You go, girl! You’re gonna do great.
P.S. It could be fun to use some of your rhyme in exaggerated form during the powerpoint to illustrate an emotion or point.
I wish I could be there! I would love to hear you speak about your path. Somewhere along the way, I read that you were initially rejected by the very agent that now represents you! I thought that was so … hopeful … and funny! It certainly gave me a feeling of hope, as one who is still in the beginning phases of trying to find a publishing ‘home’ for my stories. Good luck! And, rest assured in the fact that your writing is loved by many (including me and my entire family … I even wrote about you and your ‘Bear..’ books on my blog!) … and any tidbits of wisdom you share will be very much appreciated!
Karma, I am such a fan. I was just thinking of writing about your Bear books on my blog and thought I would stop by your website to see what else you had done. I just love the cadence in the Bear books and the adorable stories.
From the time I began going to conferences it seems you hear a lot about the changing market, the end of publishing as we know it
, and the difficult market for children’s books. I know I for one love to hear someone in the business confront all that with a little positivity. I love to hear someone describe their sheer love for books and why they know there’s still room for more.
You’ll do great! A little story to calm your fears & make you smile.. I read a ton with my 3 yr old, Amaia, and she LOVES your books. So much so, that any time she is reading any books by herself she always says, “Book xyz, by Karma Wilson” You are the only author in her world.
All the best to you & I only wish we lived closer and could hear you speak in person.
Karma, congrats on the speaking opportunity. You will do fine. I vote for a down-home talk, with some hands-on visuals, rather than powerpoint.
My family discovered “Bear Snores On” a couple Christmases ago when it was received as a present. Recently, I was introduced to your books based on the Psalms, and I love them. More importantly, my daughter (age 2 1/2) loves your work. I am so encouraged to learn of your faith in God, and thank you for your quality literature for children! Keep it up!
How did it go Karma?
Hugs~Traci
that was a nice story i write songs for a loacal band and wondering if you could help me writing a song called love is a battlefield
hey its nice to have some usefull information.thankq