Thanks so much for coming in to visit with us, and I have to say, though I told you in email, how evocative I find that cover -- it just really grabs me every time I see it.

I am very social on the internet, and somewhat social in real life. Sometimes it bothers me that I can be so social online, when I know that in real life, I might be more reserved. I wouldn't want people who meet me to get the wrong idea.

In real life, I am fairly social, though, too. I have no problem walking up to someone I don't know, and starting a conversation, though I am also content to be on my own. I think is a result of that, when I was a child (and essentially an only child since my sisters were so much older), that I would, for instance, go camping with my parents, and they would do their own thing, and I would have to go out into the campground and scout for other kids to play with (or, conversely, when I didn't find anyone I liked to play with, I became very good at amusing myself, hence, reading and writing...).

But I have to admit, I'm not so gregarious that if the person I talk to doesn't respond in kind, or if I don't feel some kind of "click" or if they can only make small talk, I fade out pretty fast and tend to make my excuses to move on. I find small talk and other kinds of fake socializing very tiresome.

Even online, I am still pretty selective with my socializing, I don't friend or follow everyone who crosses my path at FB or Twitter, and I only do what is fun or pleasant for me. I don't do anything just to promote or so forth, all of my online communication or otherwise is stuff I would be doing anyway, for my own fun, etc.

It's great to see you here, and I look forward to the discussion. :)

Sam

I'm also somewhat shy, so I love the freedom I have to express myself on the internet. Although it's not the only outlet for marketing, it's a great place to establish a platform with minimal cost. And it certainly makes it easier to reach people I'd never come in contact with directly.

Alice Berger
Bergers Book Reviews
Author of "Who's Taking a Bath?" - a picture book for kids

What a great post, Margay! I was always painfully shy growing up. I took the phrase "be seen and not heard" to the extreme, lol. Once I had kids, though, that shyness seemed to fly the coup. I am much more outspoken now. Also, I feel as though through the internet and my blog, I can be as outspoken and "silly" as I want to be and not feel as self conscience. The internet is a wonderous thing for sure! I wanted to tell you - I received Nora's Soul and am soooo excited to read it!!!! Thank you, Margay!

Moderately social, I think. I do find it easier to be social on the internet, partly because I can decide when to join in or hang back. And it's nice to be able to see what you're about to say before you hit post :)

Technology is a wonderful thing and the changes that have occurred so rapidly have advanced communication greatly. That is definitely a plus. It still does make one cautious about venturing forth into these new waters even if we are adventurous. Meeting and greeting is part of our social world and is important as it adds life to our network. I think that many people hide now more than before since it is possible to speak out loud but remain behind the scenes.

I know all about shyness; my twin brother and I used to run and hide under the table when someone came to our door. Grandma used to say we were tied to our Mom's apron strings. I was so shy I'd walk blocks away from school kids coming toward me just to miss them (from the farm played some role in this also- not many people around. I still say I'm shy but will in some incidents put myself out there and speak. I dread entering a room where there are a big group of people already. Yes, the internet allows us to say things we perhaps normally wouldn't as one is not seen when talking here, lol.

I'm not only shy, but I wrote my second book about a heroine who is so shy, she gets panic attacks. Reviews were split down the middle between, "I so get that!" and "I so don't get that."

In one scene of the book, the heroine has a panic attack during an interview and inadvertently leaves her portfolio behind when she flees. She gets the job because the interviewer thinks she did it on purpose, and she's trying to express that she's about the work, not idle talk. Reviewers wrote, "Yeah, right." I ACTUALLY DID THAT and got my best job ever that way.

Some people get shyness; others don't. That to me is the hardest part about being shy. People just think you're nuts.

Btw, LOVE the cover. Beautiful.

I am not as shy on the internet as I am otherwise. I prefer to stay home as opposed to going out into the public(even grocery shopping holds no appeal). I do it because I have to.

On the internet I can post if I feel like it or just lurk.

...more so in person than online - I try to limit my typing b/c I've had repetitive motion injuries in the past. But I do find it tiring, especially in person. I seem like an extrovert, but I'm really an introvert.

that is a cool cover BTW.
I guess i'm an oddball so to speak, o have introvert moments where i'd rather stick my head in a book and stay there. then others where i have to get out around people and sociallize.
In high school i was totally a introvert, i'd much rather read than go to the mall or games, etc.
Now that i'm older i've found that i've grown out of most of that. Just ask anyone in my family, some days you can;t shut me up. I'm a talker, totally. My last job, my boss put me in the Copy Department because i was bubbly and liked to talk. Somedays im sure he regretted it, it took a while for customers to leave. lol.

I think the internet gives everyone the freedom to come out of there shell so-to-speak, but at the same time you can hide and be that much more withdrawn if your only out is the computer. And there are alot of people who only communicate this way, which is good to a point. But it can be problematic when you have to go to the real world and have no keyboard as a buffer.
So it's a double sided coin i guess.
either way, whatever works for you go for it!!
jody

I was pretty shy when I was growing up. I would talk to anyone unless I knew them pretty well.When I got out of school and started working this made a big differents. I became more social. I am a little more social on the internet because no one can see me and I can post if I want or just lay back and read everyones post. You can be shy here and no one will know it. I know that I have came a long way since high school.

The winner for Margay's book is catlady03! Congrats!

I have sent Margay your name and email, so you two can make arrangements for your prize. :)

Thanks everyone... :)

Sam

Margay

Your opening paragraph describes me to a Tee. Wow,it is hard to overcome shyness and I still avoid certain aspects of life. I try to challenge myself to do hard-for-me things i.e. I lector at church once a month, I have to read two readings in front of the entire church. It's been a blessing, as I am getting more comfortable with it. But even from the start members were supportive and said, "Good Job."

I don't need the praise but it sure feels good to know that someone was listening.

I am much bolder online than in person. But I'm slowly coming into myself. It's life, a growing experience. Not being afraid to try new things or difficult/challenging things.

I am currently going to try out for a local play. I tried out for one other play and truly bombed, but I'm proud for going outside my self imposed box and trying.

I love your cover! The contrast along with the title sounds intriguing. Good luck with sales and promotions. I'm going to keep my eye out for that cover.

Tracey