Stolen Cheat Sheet

By: Zelle Andrews

One of my dreams came true. Paisley Memories is on the shelves of Barnes & Noble in Tallahassee, Florida. During a teen book festival last year, I shared my experience of writing my novel. This would be my second speaking engagement…EVER. During my first speaking engagement, I stammered quite a bit in the beginning and my voice was shaky.  Was I just a tad nervous? That was an understatement. At this event, I was much more relaxed. Until my cheat sheet was stolen.

In preparation for the speaking engagement, I was provided with a list of questions that were suggestions of what to discuss during our author questionnaire panel. That cheat sheet was my crutch. I was so engrossed and focused on answering a particular question that I didn’t notice someone picking up the cheat sheet. In the middle of talking I looked down and all I saw was the white table cloth. It was gone! I’m sure a look of anguish and panic etched itself on my face as my eyes searched for the culprit. “You stole my cheat sheet!” I announced, loudly when I saw who held it, completely forgotting where I was in regards to answering the question. I started to stammer…

My safety net was gone.

Sink or swim, Zelle, I thought to myself.  So, I swam… It felt like I was swimming in the freezing water of the Wakulla River, but I swam. At the end of the event books were sold and signatures written. And to my delight shelves were stocked with Paisley Memories.

The only three things I need to write are my laptop, glasses, and my imagination.  The only three things I need to make an author panel go off without a hitch are my books, sales, and the return of my stolen cheat sheet