An Epiphany of Sorts

A number of friends and readers have asked me whether I plan to keep a journal of my experience with breast cancer treatment and write about it.  I answered that I didn't want to think that much about having cancer and would rather concentrate on writing fun fiction.  Well, I've had an epiphany of sorts--not about writing about my experience--but rather talking about it.

I recently read a tweet suggesting that authors should get out more and engage in public speaking.  In her blog, the writer pointed out that most authors are solitary by nature and must push themselves to speak in public.  After all, for many fear of public speaking is right up there with fear of death.  Suddenly the light went on for me, duh!  I spent many years teaching people how to prepare and present public speeches and I am very comfortable doing so myself.  Why hadn't I thought of this before?

Book signing on Royal Caribbean ship, Mariner of the Seas

So, I have added a blurb on http://www.aalleman.com/ inviting organizations and clubs to contact me if they would like me to show up and talk about my fulfillment of a life-long dream (the writing) and the ins and outs of becoming an author, my experiences coping with breast cancer, the fun and inspiration gained from travel, and bringing comfort and synergy to one's life.  Now I realize I have been overlooking a whole facet of my experiences that, quite frankly, could also help my book marketing efforts.

I don't think I'm alone.  I have the feeling that many of us overlook an ability, talent, or valuable experience, that we think of as being in the past, we have taken for granted, or just tucked away for later.  As I realize more than ever, later might never arrive and we must grasp every opportunity to be the best we can be and use our gifts ASAP.