YOU GUYS!

I’m in Halifax for HalCon!

I’m super excited to be here! I’ll be speaking at three panels and have some book signings (gulp).

My schedule is:

Friday, September 22
Saturday, September 23
1:00pm – Women in Media
Sunday, September 24
12:00pm – Margarita Gakis Signing
1:45pm – Author Writing Tips

 

As I said, I’m really excited but also nervous. I’m an introvert with social anxiety – how can I not be nervous? Strangely, I have no fear of public speaking, but the one-on-one nature of signings and me sitting at a table is what has me freaked out! Most people who meet me are surprised I have anxiety because I socialize well. as I’ve said. I’m not an ogre. Like, I know how to do it. It just makes me nervous. And takes a lot of self pep talks to get me going places.

Because I get anxious, when I travel, I try to make it about little victories. Did I get out of the hotel room? Was I able to find coffee? Did I actually interact with people? Last night, I made it to the hotel pub for dinner – GRILLED CHEESE WITH BACON COMPOTE – like, you had me at bacon and cheese, y’all.

This morning, I went out in search of caffeine .I love how the FIRST and BIGGEST thing on this sign is the Timmy’s. I found it and used my HAL-CON COFFEE SLEEVE!
 YES THAT’S THE SLEEVE I GOT IN MY SWAG BAG (okay, yeah, I’m just caps locking everything now.)
My swag bag also had candy from Freak Lunchbox, and of course I had to go to a place with that name. It’s a candy shoppe!
 And I walked down by the waterfront.
I’m getting ready for my first panel this afternoon at 4.45. i was going to go to the convention center right now, but I got scared and it’s still early, so I’m blogging instead. #hidingout, #Ididgetoutalreadythough, #Idon’tfeeltoobad
Wish me luck!
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2 comments on “HalCon and traveling as an introvert with social anxiety!

  1. Liz

    I used to be in big networking SALES, and I am also an introvert with anxiety. I was hugely successful at sales, because one of my early mentors told me that it’s not a crowd, it’s really just a bunch of individuals who are all just as anxious and introverted as you are. I’d also use little strategies to make the day easier for me. I’d try to compliment people as the day went. It eases awkwardness. Things like “I love that tattoo, did you design it yourself?”, “Great nail color.”, whatever. just to connect with individuals and ease the conversation. I’ve also promised myself a treat at the end of particularly bad days — like ‘if you get through this meeting, there are no calories at dinner.’ That always worked! I hope one of those little tricks help you out, but I am sure you will do great. (BTW, LOVE the books. Can’t wait for more!)

    1. margaritagakis Post author

      I’m sorry I’m so late replying! Thanks for the tip! I do find that if I can ‘connect’ with people, it does seem easier. It’s just that initial hurdle to get over every time!

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