by Marcie Rendon
I just completed a tour of two libraries a day over four days. As an introvert, I have taken speech, acting, and performance art classes all in order to not mumble around when speaking. My first mentor told me I needed to learn to speak to people because that would be key to creating an audience for my work. Because getting up in front of people is the biggest challenge for me, I’ve streamlined the “get ready and do the speaking” work.
- I have a tour wardrobe that consists of lightweight, no-iron clothing. For example, I have an all-black jumpsuit that pairs well with select jackets. No one knows that I wore that black and white vintage jacket yesterday. One pair of “speaking” shoes and my most comfortable pair to wear when not on stage. I travel with one carry on suitcase.
- Wear lipstick. Most people don’t pay enough attention to know if I spent 30 min on the rest of the makeup.
- Pack a bathing suit and make the most of the hot tub or sauna at the hotel. Use the gym.
- Stop at local, independent bookstores and offer to sign books. I breeze in and breeze out.
- Say yes if anyone wants to take your picture, with your book, for social media. Promo, promo, promo.
- Eat and drink light. I try not to eat anything after 7:30 p.m. I go for salads or a cup of soup.
- Bring a pen. I forget and always need to ask the host to provide.
- What do you need to be comfortable speaking? I keep everything simple: mic, water and place to set the book and a chair for myself. I make sure I speak clearly into the mic. If possible, I also move closer to the audience and stand so I can try to see everyone.
- Smile. A lot.
- Be on time and make a graceful exit. Thank the host, the tech folks, the janitor-anyone who has made the event possible.
- An extra: I try to remember to brush my hair when I leave my house. Too many times, a disheveled me has been asked: Are you Marcie Rendon, the author? (I’ve been tempted to say no and run away. You never know where your fans will be).
About Marcie Rendon:
Marcie R. Rendon, citizen of the White Earth Nation, is the best-selling author of Where They Last Saw Her, MN Book Award winter; and author of the Cash Blackbear crime series, the most recent is Broken Fields, MN Book Award Finalist, 2026.
For More Information:
Website: https://www.marcierendon.com/
Instagram: @marcierendon
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