(or not writing)
I always have to remind myself that writers are socially awkward people, mostly introverts. It’s my mantra for every time I go to some gathering and no one introduces themselves to me, or rather then start a conversation some writer comes up to me to tell me all about the book they just wrote. And they don’t ask me a thing about my work. Because this is how they do socially awkward marketing.
Most people don’t realize what an introvert I actually am; I’m good at faking it. In fact after a particularly large and dynamic event I usually need a vacation, alone, to recuperate. I’ve also been trained well. I grew up in a military family, and my military roots go back a couple of generations.
My mother’s father retired as commander of Naval Airstation at Whidbey Island and her grandfather was Commander–considering that he joined the Navy at the age of 14 and started out swabbing decks and washing sails, becoming an officer was a big achievement. On my father’s side, my grandad, a Navy dentist, retired as an admiral. And all the women were great (among many other things) at hosting parties and making conversation (and friends) with people from all walks of life.
When my mom hosted parties, I distinctly remember being trotted out with my sister to pass hors d’oeuvres and perform (dance) for guests. My sister, the extrovert, loved the attention while I preferred hiding under the coffee table to watch and listen.
You’d think as a natural introvert I’d be relishing all this alone time… but I’m not. Even though there were lots of great writerly events out there, I may have posted about them, shared the information, I didn’t always GO to them. But I knew they were there.
I’m coping not by writing, but by trying to build, or keep together the things from “before” like arranging author readings and writing sessions and doing it through online video conferencing. This Sunday (April 5 3pm pacific time) I’m hosting a reading event for our April featured writer, Karin Zirk. I am hoping to at least maintain the feeling of community gatherings… we’ll see. Karin will read form her recently published novel, Falling from the Moon and also talk about the two most important ingredients in finishing your manuscript: passion and persistence. You should join us (via zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/304292727)
But I’m not writing. I’m mostly listening to news radio (NPR), worrying about the virus, the economy, our fragile community, and reading Facebook. And waiting.
I hope you are writing. And finding solace somewhere in these trying times.
PS watch our Facebook page for other online events coming soon
I’m hosting online Pop Up Writing sessions
(message me for details: jennifer@plumeforwriters.org )