Inspiring the Isolated

Writersspend a majority of their time in isolation, most often locked away in theirown little world - spinning, weaving and working on perfecting their craft asthey translate the stories they've been given into written form.  While this new digital age has opened aportal into simulated interaction with the rest of the world at the touch ofbutton, it has also brought another level of separation.  No matter how much access we have to peopleonline, writers still need a balanced interaction of physical contact with thehuman race.  How else are we to observehuman relations in order to translate those reactions, behaviors andexpressions in our characters on the written page to our readers?  
It's onething to suppose something; it's quite a different thing to know.  When I'm reading a story, I can usually tellwhen the writer had in-depth and intimate knowledge of what they wrote, fromone who only supposed how things.  It'sokay to suppose, especially in a fantasy format, but it's best to know all youcan to give your work a feel of authenticity. 
There's ahuge difference when I'm talking and meeting people face to face at book-signings,club meetings, speaking engagements or just out in public, than when I meetsomeone new on the internet.  I can seebody language and real reactions, not just words written across thescreen.  Don't get me wrong – I'm excitedwhen I receive a fan letter, meet or connect with another author who shares thesame interests, or come in contact with people in the industry doing theirjobs.  But there's still a level ofdisconnect between us that doesn't compare meeting face to face. 
Keep doingwhat you're doing; keep plugging away and working hard on completing the goalsin front of you, but don't forget to set some time apart to mingle with yourpeers.  If you know a writer that's been outof sight for a while, reach out to them. It's so easy to become lost in that isolation. We need one another, andnot just to learn from, but also to support, encourage and inspire.  While we can do some of that with ourkeyboards, the best inspiration comes with a smile.
Till nexttime,~T.L. Gray