Last week I ventured out into the snowy city to see John Sayles read and speak about his new book Crucible. I have to force myself to attend book events even though I a.) know how much turnout means to the author and b.) never, ever regret going. Often I try to recruit a buddy to go with me. This both makes it more comfortable to go in the first place and creates external pressure not to bail. I’m trying to get better at going out and doing things even if I don’t have a buddy—starting with this one!
Anyway, Bird in Hand was packed with people to see Sayles. The book inspired some meaty conversation about history intertwining with present-day events, technology’s role in social change, and how those changes often require patience and perseverance over time. Sayles also talked a bit about the nuts and bolts of writing historical fiction. I love hearing historical authors talk about their process. These writers do a hell of a lot of work to build the worlds in their books and it is fascinating.
Another highlight: while I was waiting in line to have my book signed (another social anxiety victory!) I overheard a couple talking about a book on the shelf beside me. They knew the author—I think it may have been their daughter—and were delighted to discover the book had a staff pick shelf talker. Another person joined the conversation and they proudly told him the book had hit the New York Times bestseller list. I wish I’d jotted down the author’s name so I could send a message telling her that her parents were incredibly endearing and her accomplishment clearly brought them a lot of pride and joy.
(If you don’t know what I mean by a shelf talker, here’s a photo where you can see several.)
Another funny thing about attending events like this: I always come away with notes for my own books/writing. Every time. no matter how unrelated the author’s work is to my own. At least one moment will spark something in my brain, and I’ll rush to dig my phone or notebook out of my bag so I could write it down.
It happened this time too, though I could not possibly tell you now how the note I jotted down came from whatever was being said at the time.
Anyway, this was a big reminder for me—and now I’m sharing it with you—that it can be so nourishing to go out and engage in community. It can also be hard, if you’re like me and resist anything that happens after 4:00 p.m. and involves a big group of people you don’t know. That’s why I need to dwell on the benefits for a beat when I do go. I never regret going. I do sometimes regret not going. The key is remembering that at 4:00 p.m. when my brain is churning out reasons it’d be okay to stay home.
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