I don’t like crowds. Even so, as I walked into the Marketplace Theatre today, it was nice to know I was in a crowd of writers. Sure, there was a bit of cringing and backing into corners involved, but eventually I found my confidence and managed a bit of proper social interaction. I was pleased to be asked to take a photo for a project a photographer was working on called “faces of the John Hewitt Festival” or something along those lines, and when Irish blogger June Caldwell remembered me from our previous meeting and complimented my sweater, I felt a bit more at ease.

The Hewitt festival can be a bit daunting, especially when you’re probably the youngest writer there and feel dwarfed in the shadow of the greats—but as the day went on and I attended more events, I was constantly reminded that I was in the company of peers and friends. In my crime fiction workshop I was surprised to find that a lot of the other attendees were very new to writing—despite their age some of them had been writing for less time than I had. Everyone I met seemed friendly, and even the big-wig writers who’ve clawed their way onto the best sellers list were down to earth (well, as down to earth as any writer ever was) and completely willing to chat with anyone who happened to wander into the room.

The bombardment (and I mean that in the best way possible) of prose, poetry, and politics has just begun, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s lineup has in store—especially since there will be a very special performance. *cough* The ieiMedia showcase is at seven. *cough* This is a shameless plug. *cough*