The Panel That Wasn’t

Last night was my first author “event” of the year, even though I wasn’t there to sell books. I attended the Kutztown University ABA Banquet. Did you know a library science fraternity exists? I didn’t. Why didn’t I know this?? (Probably because I didn’t major in library science when I was in college.) But friends, what fun! And library science attracts my kind of people. Was I there as a member? Of course not. I’ve got a degree in Marine Science… No, I was there as a panelist to discuss all things book-related!

Only.

There was no panel.

It was me. I was it. The lone speaker who had no speech prepared. But you know what? The kids…are amazing. Yes, college kids. Yes, I realize they are technically adults. Yes, they are old enough to vote (and boy, I really hope they do). But as the parent of 15 and 19 year olds, college-aged humans will still be kids to me.

Why were these kids so amazing? They jumped right into asking questions. So many questions. Questions about ALL the things. Writing, editing, publishing, work-life balance, the need for creative writing classes, where I actually started (sciences), favorite genres, looking back at old pieces of work (shudder), the worst things I’ve written (see: looking back at old pieces of work), so on and so forth. We (I) chatted for a half hour or more about the thing I love most – writing. And they listened intently.

I suspect many, if not all, of them are writers themselves. I suspect they live in the same imaginary places in their heads as I do in mine. And what an endearing sense of fellowship there is when you’re among fellow creatives! So was speaking about myself and my experiences at length harrowing and scary? Yes. But was it also gratifying? Yes.

Thanks, Kutztown University Chapter of ABA, for allowing me to be a part of your world for just a little while. Being back on campus hit me with a wave of nostalgia and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have the chance to visit.

Oh…and they thanked me with coffee. Not just any coffee. BOOKISH THEMED COFFEE. (Do they know authors or what?!) I may just be drinking ‘The Chosen One’ right now.

(Boy, does that sound wrong…)