The Writer’s Life: Sometimes You Need a Reminder of Why You Do This
Derby Rotten Scoundrels, our local chapter of Sisters in Crime, decided to sign up for the Kentucky Flea Market, a three-day affair. Not only could we hopefully sell some of our books, but we might attract some new members to our group.
After spending Friday, Saturday, and Sunday making small talk with passers-by, people-watching (which is never boring), and yes, selling some books and recruiting a handful of potential new members, I can honestly say parts of this experience were thoroughly enjoyable. But, by this morning (Monday), I felt as though I’d been flattened by a semi. For an introvert like myself, three days of forced extroversion drained every ounce of energy I’d started out with on Friday morning.
I found myself wondering why I put myself through this. Yes, I love to write, but it’s not like I’m pulling in the big bucks, and this marketing business is so hard!
And then, I got a wonderful reminder. I was loading an interview on to my website of a wonderful mystery author, Darlene Dziomba, which will post later this week. Darlene is not only delightfully funny, but she is so enthusiastic and appreciative of her new career as a full-time author. She not only loves the work but all the terrific people she meets in the writing community.
And I thought to myself, “Me, too!” She reminded me of the pleasure of doing creative work and getting to know other writers and readers.
She helped me remember to be grateful—even when I’m really pooped. And for that, I am so thankful.