Putting the 'Oppilant' in 'Opportunity' since 2001

[taste_is_sweet]

(Yes, "oppilant" is a real word. I totally looked it up.) And edited because I can't believe I spelled 'losing' with two 'O's. What the hell, brain?

I've been told in no uncertain terms by the lovely woman I pay to bitch at that I may be losing out on opportunities because I'm terrified I'm reluctant to move out of my comfort zone.

Since I pay her to tell me these things, I can only assume she has my best interests at heart and is probably right. Therefore o, best-beloveds, I've decided that this year I need to get off my frightened little ass and go to a writers' conference.

What am I frightened about (I know you're not asking, but I'm telling you anyway)? That would be rejection, my friends. Plain and simple. I've posted about this before, because I'm nothing if not redundant consistent, but I didn't realize just how terrified I am of rejection until I contemplated being rejected in person by other writers I don't know.

Seriously, nauseous with terror just from looking at a couple upcoming conferences in Texas. All I can think of is going to these panels hosted by beautiful writers (that's not even a joke--they all look so pretty and thin in their pictures) who are way more successful than me and then I'll say something or offer something, or just, something...and there'll be crickets. The metaphor for the deadly silence just before the hapless comic taps the microphone and asks, "is this thing on?"

But, I'm going to be brave and do it anyway. However, it'd be a lot easier to be brave if I wasn't alone. So, is anyone else out there planning on going to a writers' conference, who would like some company? Even if it's outside of Texas, if it's not too far I could probably manage to go. And I can be extremely encouraging to other people, if necessary. It's just me I have trouble with. I'd love to meet more people on my FList, too.

If not, well. I was thinking of going to the Writers League of Texas Agents and Editors conference in June. If you happen to be there, I'll be the plain, geeky older woman in the back. But my tee-shirt will be awesome.

Comments

[amalthia]

Wish I could go to the conference with you. Alas, I'm in Alaska...It takes courage to move out of a comfort zone. I struggle with this often.

[taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com]

Hey, do you know sholio? She's in Alaska too. :)

I appreciate the sympathy and understanding for sure. I hate even having a comfort zone to move out of, especially that it's so scary.

[amalthia]

I've met Sholio, she's in Fairbanks and I'm in Anchorage. Sometimes, when she comes to town we meet up. She's great. :) She's also one of the few people I know that likes hiking and talking fandom. It's awesome.

I have yet to visit Fairbanks in the five years I've been living here...

[taste-is-sweet.livejournal.com]

It's very cool that you have an online friend who can also come visit. And I suppose its lucky that you both like hiking, considering where you live. ;)