Finally, I made time to go to a Gold Coast Writer’s Association event. I’ve only been thinking about it for five years, so it was time. The programme was great; a talk on the mechanics of writing by a retired academic, writer and art historian, followed by a couple of published authors telling tales of publishing, both traditional and independent. Among other fantastic things I learned how to pronounce the word Synecdoche (si-no-dock-ee) and what it means, (referring to something by using the name of one of its parts, i.e. using the word ‘wheels’ instead of the word car.) That’s a win!
I’ve really struggled with groups my whole life. Never a team sports person, I was always picked last for anything involving bats or balls. Years ago I tried to join a meditation group but I was asked not to come back after a couple of weeks. They said my ‘energy was like a football team’ coming through the door. Righto…
Look, I’m definitely an extrovert, and I’ve got a lot to say! But I also suffer from social anxiety, which in the past has stopped me from attending events or joining groups. Manifesting as an often paralysing fear of rejection, I preferred to stay away, not put myself out there, because no one can hate me at home…
I’m told this is something adopted people struggle with, but I know a lot of non-adopted peeps who struggle with fear of rejection. We’re only human, and throughout history, it’s always been essential for our survival, belonging, being accepted in a group.
It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
I can be a little…intense. I talk a lot, can swear like a particularly articulate pirate. When I do a personality test, the results always tells me I’m weird, or in a group with 2% of the population. Hell, I did one of those Which house would the Sorting Hat put you in? surveys. I got bloody Slytherin! I do like snakes though.
The Gold Coast Writers Association seems like a nice fit for me, I felt comfortable in a room full of writers. Could have something to do with the fact that I have mellowed a lot and don’t have the same fears I had before. I’ve also learned to shut up and listen, although I was a bit worried on the drive home that I talked way too much when a few of us went for a drink afterward. We had a natter about all kinds of things book related and completely random and everything in between. It was really nice.
Looks like I’m joining a group.
What else am I thinking about…
I’m reading the War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It’s choc-full of bite-sized truth-bombs that land just between the eyes…
Quote of the Day
Remember, the parts of us that we imagine needs healing is not the part that we create from; that part is far deeper and stronger. The part we create from can’t be touched by something our parents did or society did. That part is unsullied, uncorrupted; soundproof, waterproof, bulletproof. In fact, the more troubles we’ve got, the better and richer that part becomes. ~ Steven Pressfield
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