Lately I’ve been thinking that the hardest thing about writing isn’t so much the writing (although there are definitely days, even weeks that I want to throw my computer against the wall because nothing is coming to me) but about the people I’m surrounding myself with.  I’m really sensitive to the actions and feelings of everyone around me and sometimes this can be energizing.  Sometimes it can be draining and downright depressing.  I hold myself and others to a very high standard.  I guess I do the same for my characters, too. 

I would have thought this could be an edge in writing my heroes because I am very conscious of every move they are making and every word they are saying.  But then again, sometimes I hold back, just as I would in real life, because I am waiting for the perfect action or piece of dialogue to get down on paper.  When really, I would probably discover so much about my characters if I just let them be HUMAN.  Still, in my mind, there are basic common courtesies and codes of behavior that have to be maintained in life and fiction.  Sometimes writing is like trying to teach your kids to behave a certain way but not having much success.    

Even if I’m around great people, numbers can overwhelm me.  This month I’m planning to go to the RWA National Convention.  It should be fun, but I also know the time will come (at least once a day) when I’ll need to go in my room by myself and just be alone. 

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY: Would going to a convention with 2,000 writers inspire or drain you?  Who are your favorite people to be around?