I’m
“a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction…” (apologies to Kris
Kristofferson.) I think that’s what all
of us writers are (at least the fictitious onesJ.) We sit
alone and put our souls on a piece of paper and then show it to the world.
Maybe
I have a split personality. I’m shy (no - don’t laugh at me, I am) - I’m really not comfortable with being
out in front of everyone and being noticed. And yet, throughout my life, I’ve
repeatedly put myself in that position. Acting, playing musical instruments,
singing - all done IN PUBLIC. When I became a karaoke junkie, sure, I would
sing at home away from the “crowds”, but it always feels better with other
people around. To my family’s embarrassment, I sing while we’re shopping (and
sometimes strangers join in.)
I
can’t just listen to someone speaking in a meeting – I have to continually contribute
with marginally useful comments or one-liners. My wife says I tend to speak in
a stage whisper (that’s when you act like you’re trying to keep others from
hearing you, but you’re really making sure that everyone can.) It is not my
stage training – it’s who I am.
For
me, writing is a contradiction (to be exact, it’s the decision to not just
write, but then LET OTHERS READ IT instead of hiding it in my sock drawer.) I
fear being noticed AND NOT being noticed. I’m not the only one. I’ve been
watching the latest Writer’s of the Future awards ceremony (wish I could make
it to that someday), and there are several winners (and legends) who seem to be
from somewhat the same mold – shy, and yet still wanting to put themselves out
there for the world to see.
Wanting
attention – to be noticed – is a big part of being human (probably a bigger
part than being shy.) We are social animals after all – even the ones who think
they’re lone wolves (like me.)
And
being dichotomous (oh my gosh, I thought I was making that word up, and it’s
real!) is part of what we are, too. No human being (except maybe one or two) is
only one way – even you. Don’t deny it – I bet you contradict yourself in a
number ways, too. Think about it.
Just
saying…
<<<>>>
This week, “The Sheila Wulf Chitinoid Sessions” is our
couponed feature (aliens that are odder than we expect – of course, that’s why
they’re called ALIEN.) Here’s the smashwords.com link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/321938?ref=NoTimeToThink
Use coupon
code PE24P to save 50% off the list
price at check out at smashwords. The coupon will be good through Monday, May
11th. Enjoy!
<<<>>>
William Mangieri’s writing can be found in
many places, such as:
- His Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008O8CBDY
- Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/william-mangieri?store=book&keyword=william+mangieri
- Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/NoTimeToThink
- Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/pub/simplesitesearch.search.do?sitesearch_query=william+mangieri&sitesearch_type=STORE
Connect with him (and LIKE his Facebook
writing page) at: http://www.facebook.com/NoTimeToThink
Or on his Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6893616.William_Mangieri
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