shywriter

"Your heart races, banging against your ribs, your chest, your throat. Fingers grip a pen to disguise the shake. The other hand flattens on your leg, your side, and your leg again drying the moisture that never disappears. You did not bargain for exhibition when you entered the world of writing. What started as a reclusive haven for your creative muse evolved into a public forum to sell your work. Good work should sell itself, you say…you wish."

The Shy Writer - a redundant term. Most writers are shy. Most writers fight the fear of public settings. Some juggle the pros and cons of writing versus self-promotion. Others just quit.

It is time for writers to focus on what they were placed on this earth to do - write, not put on a show.

“If you're a writer who dreads having to conduct an interview or self-promote, this book was written for you! Hope Clark gently takes even the shyest writer by the hand, offering tips and support for those times when we must go beyond the written world and face the REAL world.”

~Moira Allen, Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Writing-World.com

Here you receive pointers on how to maneuver in the writing arena without the social weight around your neck. And you will learn how to manage during times when you absolutely have to make appearances you cannot dodge. What you won’t receive is a message telling you to “get over it.” While Toastmasters is educational and worthwhile, it is not the cure-all. If you are shy and don’t want to “get over it,” this is the book for you.

Catch Hope on the Empowering Messages website. Hear a five-minute message from Hope about THE SHY WRITER.

Since I was diagnosed with bipolar over 20 years ago, I know that painful shyness has been a contributing factor to emotional problems in my own life. The point is: your example has encouraged me to overcome the shyness that I have grown up with. Just knowing that it is ok to be shy and still be a writer gives me hope that my dreams of becoming a published writer is a valid goal. Sincerely, Denise

Order THE SHY WRITER paperback. Purchase includes a year's subscription to TOTAL FundsforWriters. Email a copy of your receipt to hope@fundsforwriters.com to start your subscription

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The Shy Writer arrived in the mail on Friday, and I took it with me to bed that evening. I was shaking my head trying to stay awake as I wasn't ready to put it down when my body was ready for sleep. I had trouble putting the book down. Saturday morning I got up, washed my face and curled up in my rocker where I spent the whole day reading. At 5:17 I finished the book and was disappointed to reach the end. I wanted more.

After reading The Shy Writer I immediately went to Vistaprint.com and uploaded my book cover onto postcards which I'll use in a package I'm planning to drop off in mailboxes of homes for sale. (NOTE: Book is A Moving Experience - A detailed guide for organizing your next household move.) Now I'll visit agents at their open houses, a good place to talk to them while they wait for prospective buyers. It's definitely a good start and I need to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It's like you wrote the book especially for me. I felt like you were talking directly to me and you made me feel like I could get out there and sell anything. It's been over a week since I finished reading your book - and I still feel empowered. Thank you for that!

I've purchase one of your ebooks. I'm a subscriber to your newsletters. Thanks, Hope, I have faith in everything you do.

Rather than advise a shy writer to just “get over it” or even “reach beyond,” Clark skillfully guides shy writers to a place of acceptance, knowledge, and potential. While she remains empathetic toward shy writers, she is also giving them the opportunity to become more independent in their chosen profession.

Clark also gives suggestions to writers with disabilities. Their supposed inability to compete as well in public market marketing forums may also assist some writers. Many of Clark’s solutions appear applicable for shy writers.

The Shy Writer inspires shy writers to try her valuable suggestions. Her tips not only positively impacted shy writers but the rest of us, too.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading The Shy Writer. I have a friend who is a counselor and she often works with people who are 'crippled' by shyness. I told her about The Shy Writer. Although her clients are not writers, your book is now on her list of 'recommended reads.'

Hi Hope,

I've seen a couple of posts from you on the MMA list and kept meaning to read The Shy Writer. I wanted to read it to see if I should suggest it to a very shy friend. (I did and she just started it.) I wanted to tell you what a wonderful book it is. When I was young I was extremely shy, but seemed to get over it as I aged. After reading The Shy Writer, I now realize that I didn't get over it, but learned to deal with it. Quite an eye-opener for me. Your book went beyond shyness and included some wonderful information about marketing, etc. As far as I'm concerned, even people who aren't shy should read it, and I will be suggesting that to our local writers group, among others. Thank you for taking the time to write this book. Very well written and insightful.

Marja McGraw

Thoughts of being an extrovert were soon relinquished after reading The Shy Writer by C. Hope Clark. Seems I’m actually an introvert that masquerades as an extrovert. When in a crowd of people, I’m bubbly and outspoken, relishing any attention received. But getting into the crowd is my problem, for you see, I, too, am a shy writer, preferring to stay at home in my comfort zone.

Having researched about writing success for several years, many of the marketing and promotional tips in The Shy Writer are well known to me. Yet, fully applying the knowledge has been difficult for me. Why? Because of my shyness.

But Hope has given me hope, as she’s done for years with her FundsforWriters e-newsletters. Only thing, her recent book, The Shy Writer, has extended that hope to higher dimensions. Twelve chapters, each containing 4-8 sections, is a wealth of inspiration, useful advice, and yes . . . hope, for any writer suffering shyness.

Ms. Clark shares tips and strategies proven successful for her dealings with shyness, like when communicating one-on-one, in person, by phone or e-mail; and when attending small social gatherings or speaking at large functions . . . besides appearances for book signings or interviews by media.

The Shy Writer let’s the shy writer know that shyness is a part of self and is nothing to be ashamed of, and that shyness can be dealt with in more ways than one for writing success.

C. Hope Clark, in light-hearted, yet serious tone, exemplifies a shy writer succeeding in a writing career . . . this time, with her book The Shy Writer. And as seems a high priority mission, Hope Clark, again, is helping other writers overcome fears, so they, too, can succeed in the writing life, whether shy writer or not.

I very highly recommend The Shy Writer by C. Hope Clark, for novice or professional writers, introverts and extroverts, and anyone, especially the shy, considering writing as a career choice.

Reviewed by Patricia Spork, Author & Independent Book Reviewer
Loss Comfort & Healing from Animal Sightings
http://www.patriciaspork.us/

Terry C. Johnston was a dear friend of mine. He had a book signing reception one night when we had not been friends for terribly long and asked me to accompany him. We walked into the store, and Terry became so visibly uncomfortable I was absolutely shocked. As I opened your book and read page xiii about writers having a tendency toward reclusive behavior, I immediately thought of Terry. He was indeed a master at his craft (ten novels), a handsome man and very charming - but painfully reclusive. He too learned to hide the fear, but I am always encouraged when I think of Terry and his success as a Western Historical Novelist. He was indeed A SHY WRITER. Thanks for this book. I'm on page xiii and I already love it.

You have done some wonderful things for writers, me included. I have a copy of your book "The Shy Writer and that poor thing is dog-eared, highlights and overall looks pretty shabby but I've learned a bunch. I can literally work myself up into a panic attack unless I'm careful to defuse it. Everything I've read in your book has helped. A year ago, I'd have turned down the opportunity to provide a workshop for 7th graders. I appreciate you and send you a big cyberspace hug for the help you provide to writers.

This book carefully and painstakingly takes the reader through the process of learning to deal with shyness and how to promote their work. Never telling the reader to “get over it,” the book deals with serious issues for people who do not look forward to book signings, speaking engagements or interviews. An excellent guide chocked full of suggestions, promotional tips, psychological aids to overcoming shyness and ways to just plain accept who you are. Subjects include press releases and promo kits as well as interviews on radio, telephone and television. I feel that this book would be beneficial to anyone dealing with shyness no matter what their profession. Simple, concise and easy to follow, this book is highly recommended by Allbooks Reviews.

Some of us need people to recharge our batteries while some of us need solitude. As one belonging to the latter category, I immediately resonated to the title of this book. Just as I love "comfort foods," I found this book to be "comfort reading" as I identified with many of the shy individuals described in this book who were able to attain their literary goals in spite of their innate shyness.

I also appreciated the positive and practical suggestions Ms. Clark shared to help make potentially uncomfortable and stressful situations more comfortable and more manageable. This book is a valuable resource for any writer, but for the shy writer, it is an absolute "jewel." Highly Recommended!

You don’t have to be shy to benefit from this book. It’s helpful to me and I’m not shy, but I’ve been struggling with whether or not I should write a book as I have a hard time interacting with groups because I’m hard of hearing.

Every shy writer has a different comfort level. The advice covers a variety of suggestions to help the very shy to the somewhat shy. Clark also lends help in taking the shy writer a little out of the comfort zone to do more. Everyone is uncomfortable when trying something for the first time and taking small steps pushes a person to try something new. The book has many suggestions for taking those steps.

Your ad will be going out in Writers Site News on Friday. I worked it right into my editorial and gave it a personal seal of approval. Why? First off, I'm a shy writer, and second off, I received your book and started reading it and have to admit you're blowing me away! It's very, very good and I know it will be very informative.

I'm very pleased to inform you that our library newsletter "Wisconsin Bookwatch" features THE SHY WRITER on page 4, column 3, and page 5, Column 1. This review also appears in the February issue of our book, music, video and software review magazine "Internet Bookwatch." It is also forwarded to the Gale Research Company's interactive CD-ROM series "Book Review Index" (published four times yearly for academic, corporate, and public library systems). Additionally, this review will be on our Midwest Book Review website for the next twelve months at www.midwestbookreview.com . I've also instructed our webmaster to post the review at Amazon.com as well.

Her book does an excellent job of getting the message across, to shy writers like
me, and probably like you, that being shy need not be a deterrent to being successful as a writer.

More than inspiration, this book provides excellent tips that every writer will find valuable for getting through promotional situations. In the end, if we can do this, then we can return to the craft we love and makes us bear it all.

Not only does she share secrets to help avoid situations that may aggravate your fears, she helps with suggestions for those situations that just can't be avoided. The book even addresses press releases and other promotional media musts.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and find myself better prepared for what my writing career has in store for me. If you are a shy writer like me, pick up a copy of this book.

The thing I love best about this book is the fact that Ms. Clark never tells you there’s something wrong with you because you are shy. And she never tells you to just get over it. Instead, she encourages you to embrace your shyness and learn what you are comfortable doing. Ms. Clark offers advice on a wide variety of situations, from speeches to book signings, large audiences to small. She covers press releases, promo kits, interviews, and much, much more. She even includes little tricks that can help you keep your cool if a situation gets difficult.

While this book is intended for the shy writer, it contains many wonderful ideas that an outgoing person could use. I recommend this book to any writer who needs sound, useful tips on book promotion.

THE SHY WRITER helped me to realize that many, many authors may feel just as I do. C. Hope Clark takes a unique approach to the “shy writer” dilemma. She does not advise reader to “get over it” or “reach beyond” but instead coaches on workarounds. Clark realizes that a true introvert may not be able to “get over it” – instead the author sympathizes and offers solid solutions.

C. Hope Clark lives up to her name – she offers hope to shy writers everywhere. As a professed shy author herself, Ms. Clark has written a compelling and informative guide for easier marketing for the socially impaired.

Your book has been ordered into our regional library system – they bought three copies of The Shy Writer and I await mine.

I honestly can't give the book enough of an endorsement. My
copy is not only well read, but bookmarked and highlighted throughout.
One of my New Years resolutions is to put your Press Kit advice and
know-how to good use for my Comic Widows website. Thanks again, Hope.
:-)

Glenn Walker, Comic Widows

Insightful, educative, informative, delightful...I can go on and on about the words that first come to mind when I think of The Shy Writer. The Preface takes us by surprise, with its fiction-like style, and explains the purpose of this book - to provide its readers - shy or only novice writers - with hands-on examples and practical advice from the author's real life experiences. The Shy Writer is about transformation, one that would allow us, the shy ones who read the book, to free ourselves from the agony, despair, fear and control of our shyness. Its therapeutic effects are undeniable.

Finally a book specifically for—and about—the introverted writer! As an introvert, I now first-hand the professional (and personal) challenges introverted writers face. Often the writing profession requires introverted writers to perform extroverted tasks, at best putting us in a very uncomfortable position. But in The Shy Writer, C. Hope Clark shows writers how to create boundaries, then work within their own level of comfort. The tools The Shy Writer provides are useful in both professional and personal settings. I highly recommend this book for all introverted writers.

I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed The Shy Writer immensely. Up until this time, I had not realized that I was actually shy and rather saw my terror of talking on the phone and other similar things to be oddities that I would later outgrow. I found the book to be an encouraging one and truly unique compared to many. I enjoyed the part where you talked about stopping the focus on self and trying to find the good things in other people. I have even had professional writers tell me that thank-yous and other common courtesies had no place in the publishing world. I'm thankful now that I didn't heed that advice. Thank you for all that you do and for taking the time to write this book for those of use who struggle with fears of telephones and feel tears pricking the backs of their eyes when they try to speak in public. God bless you!

So glad someone braved the elements to pen a book on shyness. I know, been there, done that. Took a public speaking source, tremendous help! Just finished my eighth published title. Four nonfiction and four fiction. And a recent book signing, too.

A PhD psychologist with medical, abnormal and criminology backgrounds- DocRune@hotmail.com

Thank-you for all that you do to help writers, shy and otherwise, who, otherwise, might never come out of their shells. If they were to stay inside, not only they, but quite possibly the world would be the loser of their contributions, which might have helped make it a better place for all of use in which to live.

At the first writer's conference I went to here in Southern California, I sat next to a woman about my age while waiting for the next workshop. We struck up a conversation which I had determined to do at this conference despite my shyness. But one of the things she said shocked me to the core. She said she hated the amount of self-promotion it took to get your writing out to the public, admitting that she was by nature an introvert. My heart dropped to the floor with that detestable truth, something I had not considered. I was still in the first stage of love after rediscovering my passion for writing. This naked truth was quite a blow. But I persisted, the joy I felt too strong to dismiss because of a few shy moments. I am writing, reading, taking online courses, enjoying my 5th year with an online writer's group, and still hopeful, especially now that your book is in my hands.

I know that I speak for all introverts when I say that we deeply appreciate the validation. May you enjoy tremendous success with your venture...and may you not have to do more book signings than you absolutely have to!

~Sue Payne

“This book couldn’t have come at a better time for me. As someone who was literally housebound with panic attacks for years, I’m challenged when it comes to in-person book marketing. Hope’s book has given me practical tools to use when I’m preparing for an interview, speech, or book signing—as well as plenty of ideas that allow me to stay home and still publicize my work. This is a book I know I’ll read over and over, and I recommend it to all writers who get twitchy thinking about facing the masses.”

~Jenna Glatzer, Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer. www.jennaglatzer.com

“If you're a writer who dreads having to conduct an interview or self-promote, this book was written for you! Hope Clark gently takes even the shyest writer by the hand, offering tips and support for those times when we must go beyond the written world and face the REAL world.”

~Moira Allen, Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Writing-World.com

The ultimate tool for anyone who aspires to be a working writer, The Shy Writer could be titled "High Hope for Writers" as C. Hope Clark provides concrete advice on overcoming fears in any situation. Step by step pointers on how to be positive, upbeat, personal, and professional when you’d rather be at home, alone. Buy The Shy Writer and you’ll be the star of your own performance. "

~Cynthia Brian, author of Be the Star You Are!, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul and The Business of Show Business - www.star-style.com

“Clark dissolves any excuse for why you aren’t writing and publishing your genius, and she makes it safe. For those that shudder at the thoughts of public speaking, book signings, TV and radio interviews, this book is a MUST have!”

~Norma S. Strange, Creative visionary – www.strangeview.com. Co-Author of Makeover My Website – 17 Reasons Your Website Won’t Sell Anything and What to Do About It. Illustrator of Our KidsPak ™ series – www.swakpak.com

Clark states her book is to “…help writers understand their shyness and work through it to better promote their careers.” She succeeds at her task. I believe this book is a must-read for writers, especially those who are introverts. If we want our words to soar and pierce the bull’s-eye, we must be ready to pull the bowstring. Equipped with ideas from The Shy Writer, I believe we can reach our targets.

"I am enjoying the heck out of reading THE SHY WRITER. I can see so much of myself in it. Having forced myself to do a booksigning (Cup of Comfort for Teachers), I'm pretty confident I can tackle most anything, especially armed with your great advice. I will be posting a review with Professional Writers of Prescott as soon as I finish reading. Thanks for the opportunity and the wonderful advice."

REVIEW EXCERPT- At a time when people feel compelled to apologize for their perceived shortcomings, C. Hope Clark’s new book, THE SHY WRITER, encourages the painfully reserved among us to cherish our personal worth and to honor the traits that set us apart from others. THE SHY WRITER not only offers us empowerment to seek our individual levels of tolerance for publicity, but it also provides us the tools to handle the job in a cool, professional manner, tools Clark has honed through years of conflict with her own personal barrier of bashfulness. She lines those tools out for us like shiny new surgical instruments on a tray. We select only those pieces that suit our unique style of operation. Our only complaint about the book? It was too short.

So I got the ebook even though I don't much care for pdf. I wanted to see what the book was like right away. I intended to go to bed early. I was just going to look it over quickly. Next thing I knew I was looking at the bibliography. Fantastic book!
I think next year the Eppies need a category for writing related non-fiction.

Margaret I. Carr
http://www.epress-online.com
http://thewritersezine.com

The author does not simply imply that shy people need to become the life of the party to become successful. Instead, the writer reflects that some aspects of being introverted (such as attention to detail, care in speech, and practiced listening skills) can actually be helpful to the writer and his or her marketing success. Moreover, this book details many things an author can do to create successful marketing strategies based upon his or her level of comfort as well as ways that shy authors can gradually stretch their comfort levels to become a little more outgoing. Though geared specifically to shy writers, some of the ideas contained in this book would be extremely useful to any shy person interested in alternate marketing strategies.

Clark has designed this book mainly to point out that there’s nothing wrong with being shy. It also provides step-by-step advice for overcoming one’s shyness and fears. Specifically when marketing one’s work. Clark covers such topics as: Telephone conversations, audiences, book signings, promotion, gimmicks, interviews, media and more.

This is one book certain to help any writer who suffers from stage fright or marketing frustration. Coming from one who had to overcome these very fears – I wish I had found this book sooner! The Shy Writer is truly a treasure to add to any library collection.

Catch Hope on the Empowering Messages website. Hear a five-minute message from Hope about THE SHY WRITER.