Yesterday, I met several friends for lunch at a local restaurant. Little did that lunch crowd, mostly comprised of engineers and assorted military types, realize that five creative women sat at a table in their midst talking about books, contracts, agents, and due dates that had nothing to do with babies.
The best of all possible worlds is when a writer has writer friends. The things we talk about! There was a discussion of sex toys that started when we discussed a particular author and her use of odd things in her books. One of our number had never heard of this particular implement, so we had to whisper it, and describe it, which turned hilarious when we glanced around to make sure no one was listening.
At least we didn't discuss how to hide the body, which sometimes happens. Or whether to simply kidnap someone instead of kill them. But this wasn't a gathering of suspense writers, so we didn't really go there.
I needed that time away from the computer, and I cherish it. It was a great lunch — we laughed and talked a lot. Two ladies had to go back to work, but three of us stayed for another 2.5 hours. We originally got together to celebrate my sale, and I'm so happy they wanted to do that. But really, sale or not, it's just fun to get together with people who think like I do — who get lost in their heads, who think it's perfectly acceptable to talk about characters like they are real people, and who are serious about what they do. It helps keep me sane, I swear. 🙂
Do you have writer friends you love to get together with? Do you talk about crazy things? Do you need that connection from time to time? If you don't have writer friends close by, what do you do to decompress? And if you aren't a writer, what do you and your friends talk about when you get together? What is the one big thing you have in common?
2.5 hours? Ugh. I can’t believe I had to go back to work and missed the fun. Stupid day job.
Hanging out with other writers is the best. You can talk about almost anything – and we do. I never run out of things to say and that’s a major achievement.
BTW – I do some suspense work, too, so if you want to discuss killing, dismembering, hiding bodies or kidnapping, I’m there. 🙂
It was 4PM when we left. The restaurant was empty except for us and the stray server. Wish you could have stayed too!
It was a lot of fun, so thanks again. 🙂
I think we’ll have to discuss where to hide the body next time. *g*
I spoke with PC this morning. She’s dismayed she missed the festivities and will most definitely meet you for a celebratory lunch when she gets back. She’s currently facing down day 4 of 6 at Disney and panicking about leaving her flatiron on all week. 🙂
Lynn,
I am in a critique group of 8 people and when we get together, we have to have some structure or it R-E-A-L-L-Y gets out of hand. But, it is alot of fun. It is also a time when we can share our concerns, fears, etc. and vent.
Most of the group are moms with kids at home, so we have alot in common. We talk mainly about writing, critiquing, brainstorming, etc. but it definitely branches out to potty training, pre-school, etc.
Barbara (AKA The Groupie) 🙂
Lunch rocked! And I couldn’t believe it was 4:00 when we left. The time flew by.
Marilyn
It didn’t seem like any time has passed at all when I finally glanced at the clock. I was so jazzed about lunch, however, that I went home and started writing. Woo-hoo!
(Seriously, I still can’t believe people use those thingies.) Ack!
I can’t believe I missed lunch.
Sigh.
Sounds like y’all had a blast though!