Made It Moment: Stacy Green
Stacy Green’s Made It Moment came at a place that is near and dear to my heart. I think that for many writers–indie published, those with small presses, and major houses alike–the feeling of being a “real writer” has to do with seeing a book on a shelf, or appearing at a bookstore event, or library, book club, coffee shop–something physical, tangible. As virtual as our world becomes, my sense is that the live experience of connecting with readers will always contain something special, and this may be all the more true as more and more of our time is spent in bits and bytes. Stacy, I wish I had been there to see this Moment, and may you have many more!
When Jenny invited me to be a part of her “Made It Moment” series, I jumped at the chance. And then panicked. Have I really made it? Do I finally consider myself a “real author?”
A week ago, when Into The Dark first released, I would have said I wasn’t sure. But now, after my first book signing, I can finally say yes. I may be in the early stage of my career and have a lot more to learn, but little by little, people are getting to know my name.
My first ever book signing was this past Thursday at a wonderful store called New Bo Books. New Bo is one of those tiny places with lots of character and a staff who knows their customers by name. Only about 30 people can fit inside, so it was relaxed and intimate.
But public speaking isn’t my thing, and the idea of reading words I wrote in front of people I knew was nauseating. I had my list of points to address, but when I sat down in a big, comfy overstuffed chair to face the crowd who’d come to hear ME speak about MY book, I blanked out.
I couldn’t read the words on the page, my cheeks burned, and I felt incredibly foolish. I jumped right into talking about my book and felt like I was jumping from one topic to another. Then it came time to read, and naturally, the part I’d dreaded so much was the easiest. I settled in and read two separate passages from a book I’m very proud of.
And guess what? People had questions for me! Some had read the book, some bought it that night. But they all asked the same kind of questions I would love to ask my favorite authors.
That’s when it hit me: I have made it. I may be at the early stages, but that’s okay. We all start somewhere, and I’m going to cherish every moment.
Into The Dark on Amazon in Digital and Paperback
All other digital formats at MuseItUp Publishing
Stacy Green is fascinated by the workings of the criminal mind and explores true crime on her popular Thriller Thursday posts at her blog, Turning the Page.
After earning her degree in journalism, Stacy worked in advertising before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her miracle child. She rediscovered her love of writing and wrote articles for a local magazine before penning her first novel. Her debut novel, INTO THE DARK, is set in Las Vegas and features a heroine on the edge of disaster, a tormented villain, and the city’s infamous storm drains that house hundreds of homeless.
I just bet Stacy had the fabulous revelation, when reading her work aloud, that it actually was *very good* – another ‘made it’ moment! Congratulations, Stacy!
Comment by diana wilder — December 12, 2012 @ 10:13 am
What a great feeling! Congrats Stacy…and yes, this is only the beginning for you!
Comment by Donna Galanti — December 12, 2012 @ 10:20 am
Awesome moment Stacy! I am so glad that you shared it with us. The book sounds good and it is on my tbr list.
Comment by Kellie — December 12, 2012 @ 10:52 am
Thank you, Diana. I did have that moment when I was reading one particular scene out loud. It was definitely surreal!
Donna – thanks so much for all the help and support.
Kelli – thank you so much for reading and commenting. I hope you enjoy it!
And thanks to Jenny for having me!
Comment by Stacy Green — December 12, 2012 @ 11:08 am
It gets easier, Stacy. Stay in closed, intimate settings you are comfortable with such as New Bo. Rarely will anyone be hostile towards you.
Comment by Doug Carlyle — December 12, 2012 @ 11:38 am
Thanks, Doug. I loved New Bo – I hope Cedar Rapids residents check it out. And I will try to remember your advice!
Comment by Stacy Green — December 12, 2012 @ 1:09 pm
Lovely Made It Moment–thanks for sharing!
Comment by F.T. Bradley — December 12, 2012 @ 4:52 pm
How funny! I’d be a basket case too. Glad you made it thru, and even gladder you ‘made it’.
Comment by mountainmama — December 12, 2012 @ 6:25 pm
Always great to share the made it moments of fellow authors! Congrats on the publication of your novel, Stacy–incidentally one of my YA novels is entitled
STACY’S SONG.
Comment by Jacqueline Seewald — December 12, 2012 @ 7:29 pm
Hi Stacy,
Nice to hear about your Made It Moment. It is a thrill isn’t it? I can remember I had to give a talk at the local library (my very first) and I was almost tongue tied for the first couple of minutes.
Love tortured villians, tortured heroes for that matter too.
Best of luck with your novel.
Regards
Margaret
Comment by Margaret Tanner — December 12, 2012 @ 7:59 pm
F.T – you’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Mountain Mama – thank you so much. I’m glad it’s over.
Jacqueline – thank you, and that is very cool! I don’t see Stacy spelled that way too often.
Margaret – I have a couple talks coming up in 2013, and I’m very nervous. And tongue tied is a great way to describe it.
Thank you!
Comment by Stacy Green — December 12, 2012 @ 8:33 pm
Stacy, I know very well that feeling of heated cheeks and jumping from subject to subject–and I’m a trained actor! It’s different when it’s your “baby” on the line, yet it always seems to turn out well after all. I have no doubt you were stellar and your audience loved you (and the book!). Love your Made It Moment. Congratulations–and may you have many more wonderful book-ish experiences.
Comment by Amy Shojai, CABC — December 12, 2012 @ 8:34 pm
Stacy, it’s nice to meet you. Your book sounds good!
Comment by Doctor Barbara — December 12, 2012 @ 9:00 pm
Thanks so much, Doctor Barbara. It’s great to meet you as well. Enjoy the book if you get a chance to read!
Comment by Stacy Green — December 12, 2012 @ 10:07 pm
Amy, somehow I missed your comment, sorry! Thank you. I don’t know about stellar, but I did get back on the rails. Thank you so much!
Comment by Stacy Green — December 13, 2012 @ 10:06 pm
Big, big congratulations on both your Made it Moment and your book. After speaking at a book club, I can relate to this story. I kept thinking, ‘really? you really want to keep asking questions and talking about this book? You understand it’s all made-up right?!?’
Comment by Johanna — December 14, 2012 @ 6:47 pm