New York City...Center of the Universe

After taking a year off from travel, I’m back on the conference speaking bandwagon this year. I know some people get all hot and sweaty at the thought of speaking in public, but I enjoy it! My mother has a theory. You see, I said my first word at nine months, and according to Mom, I haven’t stopped talking since. Gee, thanks, Mom!

I think the reason that talking about writing doesn’t give me hives is before I was a writer, I worked with breastfeeding mothers. This involved a lot of public speaking, not only to groups of those moms, but also to doctors and hospitals, and even college classes.

Segue...funny story. I was talking to a college psychology class about the psychological benefits of breastfeeding. It was one of those mandatory core courses at some ungodly hour (I want to say 8 am) on a Monday morning. I swear, the entire front row was the football team.

Now, early on in my speaking career, I learned the people have a lot of questions, or opinions about breastfeeding, but most were hesitant to raise their hand. So, I took index cards and had them write out their questions. One was, "Does it matter how big you are?" I said, "No, it doesn’t matter what size your breasts are..." And the whole front row fell down laughing.

WAIT...this story isn’t funny until I mention, I talk with my hands. And as I answered, I made a little—well, hefting gesture in front of my not very endowed breasts. I swear, I didn’t do it on purpose, but the football team found it very amusing! Okay, amusing is too mild a word...they all laughed their butts off.

Okay, back to public speaking. Anyway, that early training has really helped when I give a writing workshop. I mean, once you’ve used the words Breasts and Nipples in front of a freshman psychology class at 8am on a Monday morning, then practically heft your own not-very-heave-worthy breasts in front of them, talking about writing isn’t so tough! I’ll confess, I enjoy giving workshops.

So, where am I going??

Well, I’m going to be MIA here for a bit because, I’m in New York! I’m not doing a workshop at this one. What I am doing, between business and conference stuff is going to see Wicked, Jersey Boys and The Little Mermaid. Now, truly, this is a business trip. I can’t help it if business takes me to New York, and New York is the home of Broadway. LOL

In April , I’m in Pittsburgh at the Romantic Times Convention. I’m doing a Category Romance Panel:

SERIES/CATEGORY ROMANCE: WE'VE GOT IT ALL
Friday, April 18, 10am - 12pm: Harlequin/Silhouette series novels treat readers to sizzling passion, breath-taking suspense, spine-tingling paranormal excitement, and beloved stories of community and everlasting love. Come join your favorite Harlequin/Silhouette authors and Harlequin VP Randall Toye as they talk about why series novels still top the best-selling charts, as well as the fabulous plans this romance industry leader has in store next for their authors and readers! Authors will be signing free copies of their latest releases, signing brand new cover art, and donating great door prizes!!!
Captain: Anna DeStefano Panelists: Vivi Anna, Holly Jacobs, Jade Lee, Patrice Michelle BrendaNovak , Rebecca York and Harlequin VP Randall Toye.

That Saturday, I’m doing the huge RT signing. Even if you’re not going to the conference, if you’re in the area, stop in at the signing!

May 16th I’m at NEORWA’s conference talking with my pal and fellow Super author, Susan Gable. Our Workshop title is:

Writing: It’s not a Sprint, It’s a Never-Ending Marathon with Hurdles

Lastly, I’m at RWA’s conference in San Francisco on July 30th. I’m doing two workshops. One with Tanya Michaels called, CONFESSIONS OF SERIES KILLERS: Weathering Line Closings and Other Career Changes. Tanya and I have both weathered more than a few line closings, and both come out on the other side! And I’ll be doing a workshop entitled, MY WRITING MAY BE ART...BUT MY KIDS NEED BRACES, with Nancy Warren. This one’s about balancing the art of writing with the business end of things.

There will be a big booksigning there as well, so if you’re not at the conference, do make sure you stop in that Wednesday night for the signing!

As you can see, none of my talks will involve my heaving my own breasts, for which I’m sure everyone will be grateful! And now you know why public speaking doesn’t make me nervous. After all, once you’ve heaved in public, it’s all uphill!!

So, are you a Chatty-Cathy in public, or are you more subdued?

Yes, it’s hard to guess what I am! LOL

I’ll be signing off eHarlequin at the end of the week, but I’ll be back as soon as I get home!

Holly

www.HollyJacobs.com, RT Reviewers' Choice Award for The House on Briar Hill Road
SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER, Superromance, 8/08
EVERYTHING BUT A BRIDE, 8/08
ONCE UPON A THANKSGIVING, American Romance, 10/08
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS, American Romance, 12/08