way more than a big toe

So, I did it. I just created a Facebook account. My question: will I be able to stick only a big toe in? My answer so far: we’ll see.

I guess I’m a social unsociable sort. People are fine, especially familiar ones. I can live without them fine, for a while, anyway. Do I wish to learn what’s on the minds of all the people I’ve ever known who are skimming the web as I am? Not so much. Yet I like looking them up when I feel like it. Also, of course, I like mentioning my writing news when I have some.

Next week I will have writing news. A link will become available to my latest published story, a flash nonfiction piece. It’s a little odd, having come from this unsociable life and mind.

Ever since I joined the Internet Writing Workshop in January, I’ve been immersed daily in new perspectives on writing. This is because, more than ever, I’m reading the views of others. In stories and essays and opinions – whoa, the opinions flying on that list! It sure gives one a glimpse of why you should never give up submitting. As long as you’re seeking to improve, you will be headed somewhere. Editors will reject your work, because of their subjective views, but there are different opinionated someones out there, waiting to latch on positively to your viewpoint. “That’s what I think!” someone will one day comment. “This hits home!” Then, after your essay is published another someone will post it for a discussion group, and ten people will tear it to shreds. But, lucky you, you’ve already found someone who read and enjoyed it.

A writer may want things, like income and recognition. All one really needs, though, is readers. That, I think, is why I continually dive in head first each morning. I hope to find those folk who like reading my stuff, who get something out of it, who might even post a quote from it someday on Facebook.