WHO:  R. Richardsson

WHAT:  The Rise and Fall of John Rizzerio

WHEN:  3:00pm – 5:00pm

WHERE:  Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

WHY:  I have been invited to participate in an event for local authors.

I first heard of this ‘Local Author Fair’ just a little under three weeks ago.  Frankly, I didn’t have very high hopes of being able to attend.  At the time it was brought to my attention, the library was already boasting over sixty authors in attendance!

But you never know if you don’t try, right?

It’s been my mantra for years and I definitely recommend giving it a try, because the truth is, you simply don’t.  You can’t know, and if you want something bad enough, you have to put yourself out there.

I’m about the most introverted person I know.  Digging up the courage to step forward with something I believe in isn’t always easy and rejection has been my biggest enemy for as long as I can remember.

While I am afraid to face this enemy, each time that I do I am able to stand taller on the other side of the encounter.  The thing about rejection, that I’ve learned, is that it is just a word.  “No.”  It can be a hurtful word, but no matter how it’s said, it doesn’t have the strength to take your chosen craft away from you.

I’ve had stories turned down by magazines.  I’ve also been given a negative (verbal) review of my work.  I’ve had time to look at things in retrospect and I’ve learned no matter what a few people might say, the majority still enjoy what I’m creating.

With this, I stood forward and contacted the hostess of the event. I had little hope that I would be able to attend the Local Author Fair, but I had to try.  When I received my first response, it seemed that my fears were going to be true.  She politely informed me that there were no more open spaces, but, if I left my information, I would be contacted with-in a couple weeks if an opening were to arise.

In my excitement I announced this on my social media, and why not?  Here was an event specially tailored for someone like myself.  Not only would I be surrounded my dozens of like-minded individuals, but there is also the potential for many more readers as well!

Those two weeks came and went, however, and I have remained quiet, patiently waiting for the word I was beginning to fear wouldn’t arrive.

“It was just too good to be true,” I thought.

But I couldn’t have been more wrong!  Late last night, the hostess contacted me and informed me of an opening, should I still want it.

…do I ever!

And with that being said; I’d like to invite any and all readers in the area to participate.  If you are coming from afar, I hope you’ll stop by my table and get to know a little more about my story.  I look forward to seeing you there!

R. Richardsson

“Never give up, and above all else, try!  You might be surprised what happens when you do.”