I feel very fortunate to have a few followers on this platform. Would I like thousands more? Of course, if they are not bots. As I write a new posting, I worry I might upset someone and lose a follower. I am concerned not because I am so greedy for followers. I just don’t enjoy upsetting people.

I agree with Elwood Dowd in the play and movie Harvey. He says, 'In this world, you must be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.'

I often forget myself and try to be smart. If I do, I ask my followers to remember my intent is to be pleasant.

What does this have to do with writing? Like many writers, I am not very outgoing. I am not speaking for all writers here, but I suspect what I am saying would suit many of my fellow authors.

I am not afraid of public speaking. If a class instructor doesn’t show up and I am asked to step up and teach, I’ll do it. If a business meeting must start but the featured speaker isn’t ready, I will accept the invitation to distract the auditorium to fill the time. In the army, I could take command when called on to do so.

All that being said, if it is not my role to take over, or I am not asked, I am more than happy to sit quietly alone. Not antisocial, just willing to let others take the lead in sociability. My default is not to be a complete introvert. I will interact with people outside my head if someone starts a conversation. However, without an official role calling for me to be outgoing, I won’t ever be the life of the party either.

The truth, of course, I am not sitting quietly alone. Behind my shy but pleasant façade, a cast of characters is busy responding to a situation. Inside my head, action, dialog, and world building are happening. I am enjoying the party, watching others and storing mannerisms that may someday be part of a story. If I leave the party early, it is not because I didn’t enjoy the event. I leave to get something onto my computer.