I’m so excited for my very first author reading, part of the “A Writer Reads” series at Northern State University!Along with the 4 p.m. public reading, I also get to speak with students in the NSU fiction writing class about my publishing journey and getting a literary agent.

NSU is also where I work full-time, as a writer in the communications and marketing department. I’m so grateful for this opportunity, and for all the encouragement and support I’ve received from my co-workers.

I was even featured on the university’s social media, which was so awesome.

But as excited as I am, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous. Okay, maybe I’m a lot nervous. (I am a writer, after all…self-doubt comes with the territory.) This is way out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, I had a nice talk with the amazing professor who is coordinating the reading series, whose encouragement and advice helped immensely.

Her best piece of wisdom: Don’t forget to enjoy yourself.

So I will try to do just that. And I will try to continue to take on events and projects that are outside of my comfort zone. Because to achieve your goals and get where you want to be — in writing and in life — you can’t let fear stop you.