Tuesday, March 8, 2011

I am a Social Animal

Thank Zeus for the InterwebTM. I think many modern writers can maintain their sanity because of the connection with other writerly types which may not have existed before. We all have dreams and doubts and wishes and fears, but with technology, we can share them and not feel so alone. Granted, it allows mean people to be mean with impunity (e.g., anonymous comments), but all in all, I think the added interaction is a win for the human race.

I happened to hear an interview with David Brooks, author of The Social Animal, yesterday on NPR. I caught only about half, but he had things to say about interacting with students in the classroom, a topic which cut close to my heart. The rest of the interview is worth a listen.

Where would we be without each other?

Thanks for the support, encouragement, and swift kicks to the buttocks when necessary. I wouldn't have stuck with writing without a little help from my fellow animals.

Enough of this sappy crap. I promise I'll share something scary tomorrow. Promise.

10 comments:

Laura Eno said...

It's nice to be reminded about the sappy crap every so often. :)

Katey said...

We like the sap.

Okay, *I* like the sap, and I'm self-centered? Something like that.

But yeah. We need it. Seriously.

Aaron Polson said...

Laura - It tricks others into thinking I'm human.

Katey - I agree. Seriously.

Michael Stone said...

Agreed. Socialising and communication is the best thing about the Net.

Fox Lee said...

It would take a lot longer to become a good writer, that's for sure!

K.C. Shaw said...

I think I can pretty safely say I wouldn't yet be published if it weren't for meeting writerly types online. I've had an awful lot of help and encouragement over the years.

Anonymous said...

You smell like Poo!

Aaron Polson said...

Mike - Cheers! I reread "The Terracotta Warrior" tonight. Great, hear-pounding stuff.

Natalie - I've learned much from my surroundings.

K.C. - The feeling is mutual.

Mmmm...poo. Ha! Haha!

Cate Gardner said...

I always knew you were a softy. I'd be lost without my internet friends.

Poo - ha!

Aaron Polson said...

Cate - Unfortunately, as time goes by, I get softer in the belly.