What a wonderful experience! I thought I would be much more nervous than I was – but Kahla from Newcap Television was wonderful and made me feel really comfortable for my interview. After my initial stage-fright passed (she asked me my name; my mouth opened and nothing came out, LOL!) and we had a few laughs, it was just like chatting with an old friend. She said I had a nice reading voice, which made me feel really good. The interview went very well, and Kahla promised it would be awesome when it was edited … lol.
The reading itself was incredible. About 12 lovely ladies from the community were there, and I knew most of them. They were attentive and engaged, and asked lots of questions about my writing process, how long I’d been writing, and wanted to know all about self-publishing. We talked about classical poetry formats and I explained the technique of writing a Villanelle (they loved Tears Raining on the Waves, and one lady was teary-eyed when I read, The Old Weathered Shack). Oh, and they must have enjoyed my poetry because they actually clapped after each poem I read – that was thrilling to me! I read 8 poems altogether, and then we had coffee and discussion afterwards. I really enjoyed the evening! I sold 4 books, and presented one as a gift to the Library. 
As unphotogenic as I am, I’m posting a few pictures that the librarian took with my camera … I even had my hair colored and cut for the occasion; the hairdresser cut off almost 9 inches, and my hair still brushes my shoulders, lol. (It looked a lot nicer before the wind blew out the awesome styling!) 
Next Tuesday after lunch I have a reading at the Public School, and then again at the Separate School on the Thursday. I think I’m more nervous about reading to the kids! LOL!
This was my first time reading my own poetry in front of people – and I really, really enjoyed it!
Wow! Julie, this is sensational! I am so happy for you! Looks so great…love your hair too!! Sending lots of love to you, Linda
Aww, thank you, Linda – I take awful pictures, lol. I do like the new haircut – it sure is a lot lighter and easier on the arms. I had a wonderful time! Much love to you too, girlfriend. ~ Julie xoxox
Julie,
This is wonderful. What a treat to read to kids! Sounds both fun and intimidating!
Bob, I’ll let you know about reading to kids after next Tuesday and Thursday – I’ve been warned they will ask how old I am and how much money I make! LOL!
This is exciting Julie! Your hair is gorgeous and even though you may have been trembling inside, you look so composed in the pictures. My copy of your book is ‘in the mail’ and I’m anxious to have it in my hands to read. I’m so happy for you dear. Congratulations! Let your light shine. xoxox
Oh Jeannie, I’m totally thrilled that you bought my book – thank you so much! And I do like my hair too – I love long hair but it was just too much for my arm muscles to manage, lol. Thank you for your lovely comments.
xoxox
Wonderful experience Julie and I’ve been one of the fortunate ones to have heard you read your poetry.You will do wonderfully when it comes to reading for the children. Well done girlfriend I am so proud of you !
Lena, your endless support and encouragement always inspires me to reach further, aim higher – I’m not sure I would have been able to do all these things this year without knowing you always have my back. Thank you girlfriend, I love you big time! xoxox
Go girl!! Much love and admiration
xoxoxo oMelis
(((Mel))) thank you! Love you back, sweetie!
xoxox
Congratulations, Julie–what a terrific experience! And you look SO Lovely! I’m really glad you shared “Tears Raining on the Waves”, since that is still my fave. love, Caddo
Thank you so much, Sis Caddo, it was an awesome experience, and I’m so glad I did it. I watched the Newcap tv segment last night – it’s a half hour show and I’m in the last 5 minutes of it … hehehe. I should be getting the youtube link sometime today and I’ll add it to this post. Love to you, Julie
xox
awesome sis! hugs and love.
Aww, thank you, bro – I’ll send you the youtube link when I get it later today. Love you! xoxox
Good for you, Julie! Both you and your book looked lovely! Of course they enjoyed your poems! How is your move coming? Pauline
Hello, Pauline, how lovely to have you visit, and thank you! The packing is still on-going; not quite as quickly or easily as I had hoped, but I am still plugging away as I’m able. I’m down to the last couple of weeks, and am pretty sure I’ll be able to get everything done in time … I hope … lol. Thanks so much for asking, and for stopping by with your lovely comments.
Congratulations! I would probably be too nervous to do this sort of thing, but luckily I haven’t had to yet.
Sheila, thank you so much. I was really nervous at first, but Kahla was wonderful in making me feel comfortable; and the ladies who came to the reading were just terrific! I’m hoping this helps when I go into the schools next week to read to the kids! LOL!
Absolutely Awesome, Julie! I’m so glad the reading went well and just the thought of reading one’s own work in public makes me nervous! But, I’ve very happy for you! If you don’t mind me asking, how do these “readings” come about?
Anyway, sending “congrats” hugs! xo
Thank you my friend and sister! Today I’m off to read my poetry to grades 3-6 at the public school; tomorrow it’s grades 3-4 at the separate school … Lord help me! LOL!
Actually it’s really word of mouth that got me the readings. I know a member of the Library Board from my work with the Adult Learning Center where I used to work. I worked with the library and both the schools for our annual community reading challenge. When one of the ladies from the Board heard that my poetry book was published, she asked if I would be willing to do a reading at the library. Their funding for author visits was cut to nothing this year – but I said I would love to do it. It’s great experience, gives me a chance to promote my book, and to try to instill a love of poetry in people.
The librarian also works at the library at the Separate school, and asked if I would be willing to read to the children as well … and when the public school found out – well, they wanted to do it, too. LOL!
When I move to Castlegar in British Columbia in a couple of weeks, I plan to visit the library there – perhaps I can do the same there, and even go into the schools as well. I’m getting bolder and braver in my old age, hahaha!
Thank you so much for asking, and for your support and wonderful comments! Much love, Julie xoxox
Wow, definitely word of mouth, Julie, that is wonderful! I suppose also having something tangible (your new book) comes in handy, too, right? If my over 50 memory is correct, I think you self published…and I know you sent me info, which is in my poetry email folder. I’m seriously considering it, so I’ve been perusing different sites and checking out packages, costs, etc. I’m still not sure, but the thought is hovering…anyway, enough about me, and YAY for you again! Sending more “congrats” hugs to you, Sis! xoxo
Correction…”I’m” very happy for you!
That first public appearance can be rather intense, can’t it? Glad it went well and you had a lot of friends there supporting you.
So wonderful!!! This must be a wonderful experience! ♥