Life of An Author

AUTHORS WEAR MANY HATS!

When the email arrived, I almost deleted it. After reading the whole message, I wondered why are they asking me, an author over sixty, to be a model in a style show? I’m kind of a recluse, who spends most of my day in my black yoga pants sitting behind a laptop. I have only a few dresses in my closet that I seldom wear except for weddings or funerals. When I found out six other authors were participating and that the “Style Speaks Volumes” show was a benefit for our local Stillwater Public Library Foundation, my author conscience kicked in. How could I possibly say no to that? 

The fact that it was a collaboration between three local businesses: Valley Booksellers who would be selling our books, the Sash clothing store that offered a special discount, and Reve’ Bistro which included a complimentary lunch, I figured what the heck. I decided even if I had to wear a push up bra and give up my yoga pants for a couple of days, the experience would be well worth it.

After I jotted a quick reply and hit send, panic set in. Since retiring I had seldom worn high heels, much less walked down a runway. The only modeling experience I had was at an outlet mall in a small town in Minnesota years ago. My younger sister had talked me into it and only a handful of women showed up. I thought about calling the organizer to tell her I had changed my mind, that I was too old and not a qualified runway girl, but a little voice inside of me said do it.

A few days later, I called Carol the owner of the clothing store to set up a time to try on outfits. The day I walked into the shop, Carol welcomed me with a big smile. We had a lot in common. She was a widow and had recently retired from teaching. Now she was following her dream of owning her own clothing store and loving it. After an hour of trying on a variety of clothes, I selected two coordinated outfits and a coat to model.

Then Carol walked me across the hallway to the Reve’ Bistro which was in the final stages of construction. She assured me it would be ready on time and showed me how I’d weave through the dining room, pause at each table and model my outfit. Then quickly go back to the dressing room and change. As I drove home, a sense of calm rolled over me. I was excited about the event and totally relieved that I didn’t have to wear high heels or navigate a runway.

The night before the event, a snowstorm hit, closing schools and making travel difficult. But this is Minnesota. With a sold out crowd and seven authors turned models, the show went on. The day was magical. Stylists from the Monde salon set up an area in a small alcove where they styled our hair and did our makeup. I, along with the other authors, loved the pampering.

Dressed in my first outfit, I strolled into the Bistro filled with women of all ages, stopped at the first table and twirled around. The ladies greeted me with a smile and an oolala as they admired my comfortable red and black outfit and ran their fingers over the fabric. Before I moved on, they found my picture in the program and asked about my books. With the room filled with laughter and energized conversation, I looked around at the other authors and their smiles said it all. Stepping out of our comfort zones was well worth it. As we sat around a table enjoying our complimentary lunches and signing copies of our books, I realized it’s never to late to try new experiences that enrich our lives and help us grow! Diane's Website: http://www.outskirtspress.com/footsteps