Nerves

Television. Thinking about being on television; that little far off, some day vision in my head. Reading the email that says: “Do you want  to be on TV?”

The stopping of the heart when I open that email and realize it’s not spam, but a real request from the publisher of one of the anthologies that includes my story about pranking my sister. When I was a stupid kid.

The decision and the (still) hammering heart. Sure, “I’ll do it!" I respond. How hard can it be? I think to myself. Just talk. Simple, right?

The elation at being asked and accepting the opportunity soon gives way to what I actually have to do and that’s when the nerves kick in. Or try to. I’ve been striving to overcome that awful shaky nervousness that makes my voice quiver and my face flush for years. Years.

I want this to go well, like my book launch. I want it for me, but I also want it for the publisher, the anchor, and anyone who might be watching. I want it more for them than for me. So . . .

I pray. To do well for the sake of others. Get the focus off Susan and onto this fun, fun book titled Not Your Mother’s Book – On Being a Stupid Kid, for which I qualified many times over in my youth. Other NYMB authors have gigs on their local stations, too. I pray we all do well.

For you, our readers. So, Scat! Nerves. Smile for the camera. Tomorrow is show time.

Thanks for watching!

(Friday, December 7^th, FOX23 at 7:45 televised from the station in Albany, NY)

Image: Free Digital Photos                                                            Salvatore Vuono