Speaking at Kern Valley
Mike Apodaca, High Desert Branch
I woke up at 3:30 am, drank some coffee, ate a bowl of cereal, showered, packed my car, and was on the road by 4:45.
The two-and-a-half hour trip to Kern Valley from Hesperia was long and without incident (as I had hoped it would be). I welcomed the sun when she rose behind me lighting the world and helping me wake up.
I arrived at about eight and met up with Sandy Moffitt, the very capable president of the Kern Valley branch. I made sure my technology was compatible with their system (thanks to David, their tech guy). And then I had breakfast and lively conversation with the members who showed up early for the meeting.
After greeting visitors, Sandy started the meeting with a three-minute writing exercise and sharing out. Next, some business was covered, including their upcoming elections.
Then it was my turn.
With a short introduction, Sandy surrendered the lectern to me.
My topic was titled, “Do the Twist.” I had presented it in the past at an ACT II meeting for our own club. Afterwards, I received some helpful feedback.
The teaching session went well. Everyone was kind and attentive. At one point, a member raised his hand and added something he knew about what I was relating. It was perfect.
In the end, everyone was happy. Best of all, I felt like I’d made some new friends and extended my network in the CWC.
I also sold a few books.
And I got paid!
My hat goes off to Bob Isbill for his brilliant idea of forming the On-Topic Speakers Bureau. It is through this website that so many of our writers have been asked to speak. Becoming a writer today means building an audience, a bank of readers. We do this by getting out there and doing speaking engagements. Mary Ruth Hughes is aiming really big. Just ask her about the all-out campaign she is planning for her new book, with podcasts, television interviews, etc. We would all do well to aim as high.
Driving back from Kern Valley, I felt it had all been worth it. I’m hopeful that it will lead to many more fun speaking engagements.
This essay originally ran in the July 2023 edition of
The Inkslinger, newsletter of the High Desert Branch.