The book festival last weekend turned out pretty well. I met a lot of local authors. A fan made a two-hour drive just to meet me, so I felt famous. I sold some books. I had a really good time.

And then I completely crashed. I’m the kind of introvert who doesn’t mind being around people and sometimes enjoys it, but it drains my batteries and I need solitude to recharge. I’m basically a cell phone that’s useful and bright when out and about, but it needs to sit on the charger at home afterward because all that work drains the battery. I had to drive the back road home because I didn’t trust myself not to zone out on the freeway. The back road is the old turnpike road that dates to the 1700s (it’s been repaved since then), and it has all the driving focus benefits of changing speed limits and stoplights, plus it also has all the quaint villages, historic buildings, and gorgeous scenery to help me stay focused. The freeway is more boring, and you’re driving the same speed without stops, so it’s easy to get into road hypnosis and snap out of it with no idea where you are.

Then I got home, made tea, and collapsed on the sofa. Sunday turned out to be pretty social, too, as there was a reception for new members after church, then there was an organ concert, followed by yet another reception, in the evening. I’d recharged enough to get through that, and I had some nice conversations and made new friends (someone who’ll give me gardening advice in exchange for some of my bulbs when I divide them), but I was even more tired when I got home.

By Sunday night, my battery was in the red zone where all you can do is dial 9-1-1. I went to bed early and slept late on Monday, then spent most of Monday working in the yard and brainstorming on the deck. My social interaction was limited to a wave and a hello to my neighbor, who was also working in her yard.

I guess before I do a bigger event like a convention I need to build up better social muscles. Then again, this was one of the more difficult kinds of interaction for me. Put me in front of an audience and I’m fine. I can talk easily. It’s a bit harder being in a mingling situation. Selling is hard for me. I couldn’t sell Girl Scout Cookies, and this kind of event was all selling, with a little mingling.

Now I’m back in my writing cave, developing a new story. That fits well with the time of year when I need to be doing a lot of work in my yard, since I think while I work and come up with ideas.