But I digress. I was talking about poeple watching. Today the hubby and I went to the fair! We go about every four years and that’s enough. I slathered my body in sunscreen, wore a hat and took as little to carry as possible, but made sure I had some 3×5 cards and a pen. Hey, I’m a writer, I go armed with the tools of my trade. Today I came back with a few character studies. There was the little old lady wearing a red T-shirt, red gauzy skirt down to her ankles, a huge multi-colored tote, silver tennies with a big purple hat. She was…interesting. I have no idea if she’ll ever turn up in one of my books, but I have a full description – right down to her fuzzy orange hair – in case she does.

As usual I was amazed at the number of people, men and women who wore flip-flops to the fair. Can you imagine a more uncomfortable footwear for miles of walking? And heels. I saw several women in high heels prompting me to say, HUH? Babies in strollers, people in wheelchairs, with canes and oxygen tanks. You see pretty much everything at the fair. We bought some junk, we ate some crap, I got some good character studies and had a wonderful time. That will hold us for another four years.

Be especially wary of groups that are harsh in their judgment. I’ve heard of more than one writer who gave up because of the group’s cruel criticism and stopped writing. That’s sad. So if you find yourself in a group that’s not working for some reason, quit! Don’t worry about hurt feelings. This is your career we’re talking about! Find another group or start your own, but for heaven’s sake, don’t stop writing. One thing that has always puzzled me – and maybe someone out there in cyber-land can help. Why don’t men join critique group????? I’d really like to know!