Really? You had a friend with the same last name I do? I didn't know there were that many Rydzynskis around! And, if you're from Northern Ohio, you do know your snow.

As I said before, good luck with it all! I noticed in your bio that you list yourself as a Southern writer. That's a spectacular genre. I have a writer friend who comes from that same tradition and I always enjoy her stories. I'm a "Yankee" myself, not from Boston originally, but from northern climes (Buffalo, NY). I write a lot about snow! ;-)

Beth, I've been thinking about your offer of a contribution to my blog. The blog focuses on new authors and yet-to-be-published authors. Most of the material revolves around finding and agent, building a writer platform, and using social media.

Would you like to speak to one of those topics? Perhaps how you found your agent and how the evolving publishing industry changes that process. Or, how you translated your interior design experience into the world of publishing. Or, how writers should use social media in preparation for their lives as published authors.

Do any of those topics appeal to you? 500 to 800 words would work perfectly. Let me know. I would gladly post links to your web page and any upcoming events. I usually promote on FB, LinkedIn, Twitter, and SheWrites, and on my own web page. I also add my blog link to comments I post on other blogs for extra exposure.

Ginger B.
http://coppertopcollins.blogspot.com
www.gingerbcollins.com

Beth, after reading the bio on your website I can't believe we've never met, or at least passed each other on Route 23 or I-71! I grew up in Huntington, WV, and spent most of the 80s in Columbus, OH, working in advertising and PR. I'm guessing you might know my friend, Ann Rorrer, who worked at the Inquirer for many years.

Good to know you here on SheWrites. Look forward to networking with you in the future. I write a blog for first-time authors and focus on finding agents, building a writer platform, and using social media. As a writer who's experiencing her first novel, I'd appreciate any input or comments you could contribute.

Ginger B.
http://coppertopcollins.blogspot.com
www.gingerbcollins.com

Beth if you are nervous about talking about yourself (and who isn't) then maybe you could take the tact that "on-tour" Beth is another person and speak about her, tell her story as though it was someone else not you.

Beth as a psychotherapist and writer I wondered what your fears are? Can you articulate them clearly perhaps and then follow them through the next stage. For example "I'm scared of speaking in front of a crowd and making mistakes." Then what would happen next? You might confess you're nervous and then the crowd would probably feel empathy and want to cheer for you. Hope this helps. Often working out a fear or anxiety scenario makes it much easier for us. Best, Marcy