Coming Out of Her Shell

Please help me welcome romance author Anne Marie Novark. Anne Marie is a Texas girl, born and raised. Romance is her passion. She loves to read and write about men and women falling in love, overcoming life’s obstacles, and living happily ever after. She writes spicy contemporary novels, usually involving a cowboy or two, as well as Regency historicals. You can visit Anne Marie at www.annemarienovark.com. Her most recent release is Chasing the Moonlight. You can buy the digital copy here, and the paperback copy here or here.

1. Do you consider yourself shy/introverted?
Yes, I’ve always been on the shy side and very introverted, although as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come out of my shell just a little. And I have found if I ACT like I’m not shy, I sometimes can trick myself into being more outgoing as the occasion warrants.

For example, at my local RWA Chapter meetings when I was on the board (coerced, no less), our president told us we had to meet and greet new members and visitors. This was difficult, but by acting out the part, going forward and making myself be friendly, I forgot my shyness and met some really neat people.

2. In what ways does this or has this hindered you as a writer?
When it comes to pitching a new novel to an editor or chatting up my latest book, it has hindered me a lot. I get all tongue-tied and nervous and stressed. Not good for promoting myself or my book.

3. In what ways does this or has this helped you as a writer?
Being shy and introverted, I tend to sit back and observe. I learn a lot from other writers who can talk glibly about their books. I also get many ideas for characters and plots by listening to people.

4. Are you shy/introverted one on one or in crowds or both?
Crowds are my nemesis (nemeses?). One on one, I’m pretty good unless it’s an editor and I’m pitching. In a crowd, I get flustered and want to melt away into it.


5. What's your biggest fear/obstacle as a shy writer? Tell me why. And tell me if you've tried to face this fear and what were the results?
Speaking in front of crowds scares the bejeebers out of me. I’m not very eloquent, I stumble over my words, my mouth can’t keep up with my brain and I’m all over the place when explaining my plots, books or anything, for that matter.

That’s the reason I love the Internet! With the power of the backspace and delete keys, I’m able to compose fluent articulate sentences and look like I know what I’m talking about, instead of coming off as a jabbering idiot.

But I must say this has not kept me from speaking at writers’ conferences and presenting workshops to my local RWA Chapter or holding book signings. Sometimes, you gotta do, what you gotta do. 


6. Tell me about a time recently that you stepped outside your comfort zone as a shy person, whether in your writing or personal life.
Last year, I was asked to give a workshop for a small writers’ conference. They were paying a nice fee, waiving the conference registration, and feeding me lunch. The opportunity to promote my new book and network with other writers was just too good to pass up. I gathered my courage, wrote a one-hour workshop on writing romance, and practiced, practiced, practiced.

Standing in front of the room before all of those people, my heart pounded and I broke out in a cold sweat. But they were writers wanting to learn and I jumped right in and did it! I admitted I was nervous, and they were supportive and encouraged me to forget my shyness. It turned out great and gave me confidence to do it again later in the year. It still scares me, but I do it anyway. I feel like it’s made me a stronger person and as Calvin’s dad (Calvin and Hobbes) says: It builds character.