I’m learning to take risks, or am I?
Being part of a team organising a crime writing festival means I need to approach and talk with some very successful authors. These are people that I would never have the courage to walk up to in real life.
I wouldn’t for two reasons. There is, of course, the “I’m not worthy” feeling, the imposter syndrome. There’s also the whole introvert nature of who I am.
But I don’t have the luxury to be shy when I have to invite these authors to the festival. So I’ve come up with a reasonably professional form of works to invite without being demanding.
Recently I have been asked to invite an individual who is a total best seller, not just the kind of best seller that a lot of writers claim, this is a at the top of all proper listings, earnings in the millions kind of best seller. My first thought was ‘that person’ll never agree’, but I had a responsibility to extend the invite. So I have done.
The thought that moved me to action was, what’s the worse that can happen?
Oddly and simply, the answer to that is the worse they could do say no.
So what happens if they say no?
Well, I say thank you, wish them luck in whatever they do. And that’s it.
I chance my arm. If I fail, I fail, but I’ll still have my arm.
Of course, there is the alternative, and it has already happened; the person might say yes, and then I’ll have pulled off a bit of a coup.
So yes, I’m learning to be less risk averse, risking nothing tangible.
The Write Route 