Extreme Shyness has No Effect on Author's Marketing Campaign
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009
by Ken McCreless
RMS1437
Greetings Fellow Travelers ...
As you probably know by now, I have made the the decision to make the jump into literary lightspeed, lay down my stethoscope and boot up the ol' writing program- Open Office in this case- and write full time. As a result of my impending career change, I have been doing a great deal of research into the marketing and promotion of the written word; my written word.
What makes this such an interesting story is this. I have been so shy my entire life you might not believe it. So shy that the thought of talking to someone, even a long time friend, often brought on fits of palpitations and sweating. I would rather be thought of as a complete jerk than open up to anyone about anything.
The Respiratory Therapy program at the local community college was an extreme challenge for me. I actually had to meet people EVERYDAY! Can you believe it? However, as time went on things got better.
I used my newfound profession to chip away at the emotional dam that was holding my creativity and my personality hostage. My first position as a Respiratory Therapist was at a childrens hospital, and that was an incredible healing opportunity that I took full advantage of as well.
I also used my expertise as an RT to my advantage. Patients and parents of patients looked to me for help and answers, which gave me fantastic insight as to how far I've come and how far I needed to go.
I was able to slowly train myself to look past my feelings of self-loathing, move out of the ever present cloud of despondency that I had been living with, and move on with my life.
Still, with as much progress I had made, I was certain that, when the time came, I would not be able to promote myself effectively as a writer. But, I never gave up.
I started by handing out the business cards provided to me by SearchWarp. As I would hand them out, folks would ask me about my writing. That's when I knew that a miracle had happened.
I had absolutely no trouble promoting myself, and even noticed the level of respect shown to me as a bonafide wordsmith! What an amazing ride so far.
I see my future as only getting better. My confidence as a man and a writer is building daily. And, as an added and completely unexpected bonus, the joy and satisfaction I receive from writing is growing in leaps and bounds- a win-win-win situation!
So, my gratitude goes out to my fans, my SearchWarp family and all my RT colleagues, instructors and patients, who, over the years, have been so instrumental in the rebuilding of Ken McCreless, and in doing so, the making of a contented and excited writer.
I know that, whether you believe in Him or not, God has touched your heart to encourage someone out of what he thought was an impossible situation- the imprisonment of his soul.
I dedicate my success to you, and offer up my undying gratitude.
You guys are the best. As a result of your kindness, I look forward to talking up my writing to editors, bookstores and future fans.
Thank you ...
As you probably know by now, I have made the the decision to make the jump into literary lightspeed, lay down my stethoscope and boot up the ol' writing program- Open Office in this case- and write full time. As a result of my impending career change, I have been doing a great deal of research into the marketing and promotion of the written word; my written word.
The Respiratory Therapy program at the local community college was an extreme challenge for me. I actually had to meet people EVERYDAY! Can you believe it? However, as time went on things got better.
I used my newfound profession to chip away at the emotional dam that was holding my creativity and my personality hostage. My first position as a Respiratory Therapist was at a childrens hospital, and that was an incredible healing opportunity that I took full advantage of as well.
I also used my expertise as an RT to my advantage. Patients and parents of patients looked to me for help and answers, which gave me fantastic insight as to how far I've come and how far I needed to go.
I was able to slowly train myself to look past my feelings of self-loathing, move out of the ever present cloud of despondency that I had been living with, and move on with my life.
Still, with as much progress I had made, I was certain that, when the time came, I would not be able to promote myself effectively as a writer. But, I never gave up.
I started by handing out the business cards provided to me by SearchWarp. As I would hand them out, folks would ask me about my writing. That's when I knew that a miracle had happened.
I had absolutely no trouble promoting myself, and even noticed the level of respect shown to me as a bonafide wordsmith! What an amazing ride so far.
I see my future as only getting better. My confidence as a man and a writer is building daily. And, as an added and completely unexpected bonus, the joy and satisfaction I receive from writing is growing in leaps and bounds- a win-win-win situation!
So, my gratitude goes out to my fans, my SearchWarp family and all my RT colleagues, instructors and patients, who, over the years, have been so instrumental in the rebuilding of Ken McCreless, and in doing so, the making of a contented and excited writer.
I know that, whether you believe in Him or not, God has touched your heart to encourage someone out of what he thought was an impossible situation- the imprisonment of his soul.
I dedicate my success to you, and offer up my undying gratitude.
You guys are the best. As a result of your kindness, I look forward to talking up my writing to editors, bookstores and future fans.
Thank you ...
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write, and was born to do so. He is a freelance writer with several projects ongoing, including books and magazines. A huge fan of both irony and history, Ken has dedicated his life and his writing to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)If you hadn't been very talented in the first place, Ken, your friends couldn't have helped, no matter how hard they tried. You did it yourself! Congratulations and best wishes for the future.Thank you so much, Carolyn. I am humbled indeed.
I can't imagine you as shy...but do so enjoy your postings - may you be continually anointed by Him - you are already gifted! MarijoOh, believe me, very shy. I think a lot of folks saw me as just angry!Thank you, Marijo, for the support.
Ken,What a great dedication. You will have some tough times ahead. Don't give up. Do it for the joy of your mission of writing and never lose sight of your goal(s). Keeping your "you" on your mission, on your target, you'll get there. Enjoy the trip.Thank you, Steve. I am prepared for just about anything. I know it will be worth it.
That's absolutely wonderful Ken! I wish you much success with your writing. Please keep us posted!Thank you, Brianna. You guys will definitely be kept up to date!
hi ken,i admire your tenacity and desire.it's funny, but most of the things we're afraid to do, turn out being for our best, as well as for the enjoyment and best of others.good luck, and Godspeed,my best,sueThank you, Sue. When we forge ahead and do the stuff we hate, we grow, right?Thanks for stopping by.
Ken, Cheering for soon and future success for you! Blessings, JeanThank you, Jean. I appreciate the support.
Hi Bro-Bro - thank you, thank you, I accept the credit for getting you to this point. hahahahahaha - you know I am kidding. I am so proud of you! You have come a long way since you first graced us with your presence here at searchwarp. It has been a joy to watch you come full circle - I remember when you commented on my piece about Friday the 13th and phoebias, we were destined to go from writing pals to family from that day on. I am praying continually for you. You have already gained personal success, now we will all cheer you on as you begin to see the greenbacks come your way. May your wallet be filled to overflowing - May heart and head touch the clouds while your feet remain planted in Him. I love you bro-bro! PS, I'm still waiting for my email!!!!!!! T.No, for reals you helped - and help-me. You have been such a great friend and sister, I can never thank you enough.And, that email is coming, no, really!
From one shy guy to another, you have my gratitude and best wishes. Your articles are always interesting, often hilarious, and you make my mind work - which I'm told is a good thing. Seriously, though: all the best, Ken.Thank you so much, Michael. Your words mean a lot, coming from such a great writer.My best to you as well!
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