Thursday, February 4, 2010

Do you know the secret handshake?


It's been about a week since I posted. I never go that long. But lately, I've just been busy, busy. Since we're officially NOT moving to North Carolina (long story), I've had to unpack boxes and do some serious cleaning around here. On top of that, I've been trying to write, school my kids, and shop for all the stuff I was going to wait and shop for when we got into our "new house."

And, amidst the chaos, I had to prepare a speech for a writers group meeting. I think I mentioned that in a prior post, but what I didn't mention is that a local paper did a write-up on me before the meeting.

Of course, some of the people I know (and had never told about the article) found it--one of them being a member of my homeschool group, who posted it on our forum. It's nice, if a bit overwhelming, to know that people are that proud of me :). (OK, my mom is probably reading this and smiling knowingly right now...)

The really interesting thing about this situation is that now people are beginning to come out of the woodwork.

"I heard you write. I'm a writer, too."
"My sister is a writer."
"My friend, so-n-so, is working on a book."
"My daughter really wants to be a writer."

Often these words are spoken in whispered tones. Like spies exchanging a secret code word. Or members of an underground club sharing a secret handshake.

I fully understand. It took me months to tell anyone other than my husband and best friend that I had started writing. And at first, it was easier telling strangers. Once the word gets out, there seems to be no way to take it back. It's like being stamped on the forehead. So, we tend to hold back until we feel like a "real writer." Then we can wear the label proudly. And when someone speaks to us in those whispered tones, we can say without hesitation, "Yes, I know the secret handshake. I am a writer."

And, if you're just dying of curiosity, you can read the article about me here.

3 comments:

Amy Deardon said...

I just read "A Day Better Spent." This is so sad, and happy. Wow.

Wish I could have attended your talk! I would have learned a lot.

KM Wilsher said...

Kat, I'd been wait for this! Thanks for sharing. . .wish I could have sat in that room.
How what a fantastic experience ;0)
CONGRATS.

Anonymous said...

Wow!! Crazy time for ya. Hang in there!! Press on, my friend.