I extroverted HARD last weekend, put myself out there (literally) at events across Colorado. Between dance performances and book events, there was no shortage of artistic expression for me.
I started with the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. I have performed at the fair with a dance collective for a few years now, usually with my duet partner. Unfortunately, my partner is recovering from surgery, so it was a solo endeavor this year.
Despite later internet backlash (don’t get me started), the show itself was a delight. My children so rarely get to see my perform (as they are not old enough for bars and clubs), and since they both helped me with my KPOP Demon Hunters dance, I was thrilled for them to see it onstage.
Then, I hit an author milestone: a Barnes & Noble book signing. Red Walls is the second of my books to be carried by Barnes & Noble, but Followers came out on the heels of the pandemic, so I never did in-person events for it.
I know Barnes & Noble is one of many book retailers out there. Yet, somehow, it felt validating, like a rite of passage in my author journey. Traffic was relatively light while my table was up, and I don’t know that I found my target audience in Boulder, but I talked to people and sold a few copies. So I call it a success!
On the heels of the signing, I sprinted back from Boulder to Colorado Springs to perform again in the annual Inappropriate Recital. My children helped with my makeup so I could present “My Idol” once again.
I explained my love of KPOP Demon Hunters in my last post. Finding a metal version of my (maybe) favorite song on the soundtrack then collaborating with my children on look and choreography made it all the more fun.
I also got to perform with a new troupe in a fusion of styles, neither of which I am very fluent with. So it presented a fun challenge.
Every time I take a break from the stage or deprioritize performing, I miss it. I guess I can’t quit it.
But whew, that was a lot of putting myself out there (and driving) in a 48 hour period. I go through a rollercoaster of emotions with these sorts of activities. The excitement and anxiety of preparation, the thrill of connection and expression (and positive reception), the drop of the thing finally being over. Call it exercise for the upcoming Colorado Festival of Horror weekend!
I have a stacked schedule of panels and signing and volunteering at CoFoH this year, so I better get my stamina up. This autumn was scheduled by a very optimistic, motivated, and employed past me. I’m hoping to skid into the end of the year still sane and intact.
Until then, enjoy a compilation of my performances of “My Idol”:
Christina Bergling
https://linktr.ee/chrstnabergling
Like my writing? Check out my books!
- Red Walls – When Talia’s parents go after the monsters who hurt her, they never expected real monsters.
- Followers – You never know who is on the other side of the screen. Followers is a mystery and thriller that blends women’s fiction with horror.
- The Rest Will Come – Online dating would drive anyone to murder, especially Emma.
- Savages – Two survivors search the ruins for the last strain of humanity. Until the discovery of a baby changes everything.
- The Waning – Locked in a cage, Beatrix must survive to escape or be broken completely.
- Screechers – Mutant monsters and humans collide in the apocalyptic fallout of a burned world. Co-authored with Kevin J. Kennedy.
- Horror Anthologies
Fiery Pen 