We Close Our Eyes

I had an odd experience at writers group yesterday. I gave the program: "How to Write Authentic Characters." I used three different writing books and my own experiences. I made a simple PowerPoint presentation, which I've done for programs before. We had a large crowd: 24 people, which may be a record for the group. Of course, we had a highly successful book signing last week and a story in the paper before the signing and photos after the signing, so people are interested in us right now. Anyway, when I finished my presentation, they gave me a standing ovation. I'm still nonplussed by it.

At first I thought they were teasing me, but they seemed sincere. Almost all of them came by my table to thank me personally and praise my presentation. And I got several emails doing the same and several requests for copies of it.

I don't know what to think. It was a good program, and I was on target, but I didn't think it was that much out of the ordinary. I guess I don't how to accept praise. A legacy of my familial relationships, I guess, where compliments were either backhanded or loaded with suggestions on how things could have been better. A friend of mine who is a therapist calls my reaction the "Impostor Syndrome." Where a person feels he/she is an impostor and not deserving of praise.

Maybe. I don't know. On reflection, it felt nice, but uncomfortable. Probably won't happen again.

Otherwise, not much to tell you. I worked on the monthly family newsletter and took it to the post office today and mailed it. Yes, the post office was closed, but the newsletter will go out tomorrow. It's the June issue, and it will go out in June--the last day of June.

Received my notice that my entry into Writer's Digest Self Published Book contest had been accepted. Won't know anything until October. I entered Tales from Bethlehem into Inspirational Category.

I did some chores, but didn't get my house vacuumed the way I wanted. I will this week, I hope.

I wrote myself into a hole again on Murder by the Mile. Hoping I figure a way out this week.

Started editing and typesetting another devotion book for a friend. I'd like to think he will publish this year, but I don't know. He doesn't have enough material yet. We'll see what happens.

Still playing with the idea of Blackbirds. Wendy, would love to see your story about the man who murdered his lover. Sounds interesting. And Jean, where are those dark poems? Tammy already offered two good short stories, one of which definitely fits with my vision of the book.

Walked a couple of days only. Hope to build on that this week. Sure does drag me down, but got to build up my strength again.

This week:
- Write on Murder by the Mile.
- Household chores, including the dreaded vacuuming.
- Continue to edit and typeset my friend's book.
- Start work on the next writers group program: "Plot: Who Done What." Last time I waited until the day before to start writing on "How to Write an Authentic Character." Made things kind of rushed. The following two programs won't be by me, which is nice.
- Go by my shelves downtown and update them with the new anthology and pick up money for any sales.
- Wash my car.
- Survive the heat. It's supposed to be terribly hot here this week.
- Enjoy the Fourth. Not sure what I'm going to do yet, but something nice.

And that's my week. Wish you all lived closer. I could talk to you and help you or just take you out for a coffee or something. I get lonely here sometimes. Well, that's life these days. Hope you have a great week.

Oh, the title is the Go West song that I happened to be listening to when I started writing this. No other import than that.