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Guest Blogger: Kathy Kulig
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

[Psst! Find details about a contest running today at the bottom of this blog!]

Faking It

By Kathy Kulig

Don’t be fooled by the title. This post isn’t exactly what you might think it is. I recently took a class titled: Act Like a Writer given by NY Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry and actor, author and teacher Keith Strunk. This course teaches acting techniques to help writers learn to create a strong public persona to give better pitches, workshops, readings and just improve communication with publishing professionals. I knew I was going to hate parts of this class, and I was right, but I’m so glad I took it. Most writers are introverts (aka hermits) who feel most comfortable hidden away in their writing caves. Stick them in a room full of publishing professionals and they’re usually eyeing the nearest exit. So how do introverts give the appearance of being intelligent, articulate writing professionals? Partly by faking it before we make it. And also by pushing the limits of our comfort zones.

The first day of class was a nightmare. I had to do a mock pitch of my book. I’ve done tons of pitches before. Even though I rewrote mine the night before, I’d printed it up on a nice card for reference. I felt pretty confident I’d do the pitch okay. Then Jonathan said we were going to be videotaped. Ugh! Then he said , “No notes.” Ack! In seven years of pitching, I’ve never done one without a note card for reference. I said two lines, looked at the camera and went blank. Gawd. Awful. Worse than that, the clip was uploaded on our loop for the other nine students to review and critique, reliving the embarrassment. The final day of class I had to do a long pitch standing in front of the awful camera. I was better than before, but I see where I can improve. And I have since thought of where I can improve the content of my pitch. I will be going to a conference this month and pitching. I will not be using notes. I’ll let you know how I do.

You’ll never see me get on stage to act, and you probably won’t see me walk into a ball room at a conference saying, “Ta Da, I’m here!” But I do feel more confident about presenting myself as a professional. When it comes to my work, work I’m proud of, work I’m representing, I can show my passion, commitment and enthusiasm because I’m the best advocate for my books.

A note to readers: I’ve talked to readers at conferences who said they were nervous and shy about talking to their favorite authors. Believe me I understand about being shy. But authors love, love to have readers come up to them and say they enjoy their books. Trust me it’ll make their day. If you’re still nervous, find me and I’ll introduce you. I’m attending the RWA National Conference in NY City June 28-July 2. And Romanticon in Akron, Ohio September 29-October 2.

*Has anyone ever gone to one of the big conferences like Romantic Times and felt over whelmed? Or lost in the crowd? What do you do?

Emerald Dungeon my new book with Ellora’s Cave was released today March 23rd. Yay! It’s part of the 1-800-DOM-help author series. I’d love to share the cover and blurb. Buy Link

I have a cool trailer if you’d like to check it out: Book Trailer

Dana’s summer job as a musician in an Irish castle takes an adventurous turn after she witnesses a BDSM scene in the dungeon, and her submissive side is aroused.

Jack is a sexy Dominant who recognizes the sub smoldering beneath the demure exterior. His skillful commands take Dana beyond her darkest erotic fantasies.

Whips, restraints and increasing levels of pain heighten her passion, but complete surrender and ecstasy is out of her reach. Will a summer affair be enough to find what they both need? The appearance of a mysterious 1-800-DOM-help business card offers to guide them. Secrets and strange events around the castle only add to their troubles. If Dana can accept Jack with complete trust and surrender, then ultimate pleasure and true love is possible.

Thanks so much for having me as a guest Delilah. It’s always fun to check out your blog. ~KK

Surprise contest! Head to Wild and Wicked Cowboys to enter! We’re giving away 6 erotic romance books today! Stop by for details, and good luck!

3 comments to “Guest Blogger: Kathy Kulig”

  1. Brandy W
    Comment
    1
    · March 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 am · Link

    I’ve been to conferences so far in my life. RWA DC and the 1st RomCon last year.

    RWA DC was a surprise from hubby and I went for the signing and stayed the night. I went with a friend for the signing which helped with the nerves. Then I hooked up with some yahoo loop friends and hung out.

    RomCon was great since I had friends coming in. They were able to come over (since I live in Denver) and have dinner before everything started. Then we just hung out in our group doing things.

    There were times when I pushed the nerves aside and did things on my own.



  2. Diane Sadler
    Comment
    2
    · March 23rd, 2011 at 5:20 pm · Link

    I’ve never been to a conference yet but would love to some time, if I can ever afford it. Most of the conferences I would be interested in are in the US and I live in Canada. You never know though, maybe soon I’ll get to one.



  3. Kathy Kulig
    Comment
    3
    · March 23rd, 2011 at 6:44 pm · Link

    First I wanted to say thanks to Delilah for having me as a guest today. It’s so great to be here. 😀

    I’ve been going to conferences for years. And the larger ones like Romantic Times or RWA can be overwhelming at first. They are a lot of fun for authors and readers. With each one, the nervousness isn’t so bad. It’s great meeting authors friends, my fav authors and readers.

    Hi Brandy, It does help with the nerves when you have a friend to hang with. The signings at RWA and RT are amazing! That’s a great idea to push the nerves. That’s when wonderful opportunities come up.

    Hi Diane, Yes, the large conferences are pricey. Sometimes local writers groups sponser all day events that are easier to afford. Sharing rides and rooms with people help too. Hope you can swing one the ones in the US one day.



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