Everybody wants to be part of a great cause, a tribe, a fellowship, a sisterhood — everybody except Henry Thoreau, the great American killjoy who chose solitude. While he’s an acclaimed wordsmith – with deep wisdom that can be mined from his writings – I’ve never understood America’s reverence for him. His aversion to living in a wider world, as an introvert, is not my style.

I am an extrovert, not one who relishes time alone, even when I’m writing. That’s what a good writers’ group is for, as well as the necessary suggestions for edits that fold into the re-writing one’s work needs. An extraordinary writers’ group helps one to boldly go forward. With buddies, people who understand the drill, the drudge, the dread of writer’s block.

A tribe.

Book clubs not so much.

For me, reading is a solitary occupation, a hobby that’s engaged me from an early age. The squabbling, the competing commentaries, augmented by copious consumption of wine, is not my style. I don’t need others’ opinions to validate or collide with mine. I’ve also found that the chosen book might not be one I’d choose. But, most of all, I decry gossip, the activity that women’s book clubs often devolve into.

I’m a longtime member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, though I no longer feel insecure about my skills. I used to feel cowed when among MFAs, but no longer. Writing, my elegant hobby, evolved into writing a series of award-winning books. I’ve grown with the applause, the critique, and the camaraderie. Like Thoreau (though I called him a killjoy, I admire his love of nature and for chronicling the lives of the freed-slaves who inhabited Walden Pond’s surrounds before him), I’ve strengthened and broadened myself as I’ve worked hard to hone the craft. I’ve worked and worked – with the affinity and encouragement within writers’ groups.

Now I proudly, firmly state, “I’m a writer.”

What about you?

P.S. Tribe members and friends. I had my post-op surgery appointment yesterday and received the doc’s applause because I’ve been a highly compliant PT patient, and I’m on trend to walk down the aisle at my daughter’s October wedding.  Whooppee!