Progress

It’s always a little nerve wracking joining a new group whatever the theme.  But a first night at a writer’s critique group is a double whammy as you are not only meeting new faces but you are putting your writer soul on the line too.  It takes a little courage and a whole lot of faith.  Stereotypically, writers test very introvert, preferring the comfort of their dens and the tip tap of their computer to schmoozing and self-promotion.  I am no different.  But, as I learnt last night, here in California it’s all about your Platform.  What are your writer credentials?  What magazines have published your work?  Do you blog and what is your Internet address?  It’s all about progression, baby!  Gee, I just want to write … but, apparently, that is not on option.

Californians are different.  I find them intriguing.  Most but not all, have a cool confident air and are VERY polite.  It’s the Californian way.  It’s a little disconcerting as I am used to irony and pithy sarcasm.  That just wouldn’t work here as proved very convincingly by Ricky Gervais at his Golden Globe debacle.  Personally, I thought he was brilliant.  LA did not. 

The critique meeting was fun and friendly but the format was quite different from what I am used to.  We all read our pieces aloud which was incredibly nerve-wracking.  Words that you’d slaved over and had marveled at suddenly jarred and clunked.   Oh dear, back to the drawing board.  But there were loads of positives to take away too.

Here, it is taken as a given that you are confident about who you are and what you write.  I think it is good for me to be around my newfound fellow scribes as it brings into question just what it is I am insecure about and wonder whether I just need a good ol’ British clip around the ear!  Maybe … but, no matter how far you travel you can never run away from who or what you are and I’ve come to an inner place where I enjoy being me and accept who I am.  Now, that’s what I call progress! 

But, taking all into consideration, weighing up the pro’s, the con’s … at the end of the day … ok, ok, I know I’m sliding into Sir Humphrey of Yes, Minister now – you can’t beat a healthy dose of cynicism and a good old fashioned bit of leg pulling.  Bring on the Brits!