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Let’s Hear It for Virtual Everything!

by Saralyn Richard 

The year 2020 will go down in history for a lot of
negative things, but one silver lining for me has been the proliferation of
virtual meetings. Prior to 2020, I had used FaceTime to visit with far-flung
family, but in the past year I have elevated virtual meetings to a regular
staple on every day’s menu of activities, both personal and business.

Here are a few of the ways I have used FaceTime, Zoom,
Microsoft, Eventbrite, and other platforms to stay connected with important
people in my life:

• ·        
  I teach my classes in creative writing and
  literature for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
• ·        
  I attend meetings and conferences
  sponsored by writers’ organizations.
• ·        
  I meet with book clubs all over the
  country.
• ·        
  I meet with readers who subscribe to my
  monthly newsletter.
• ·        
  I attend classes to improve my craft.
• ·        
  I participate in writers’ critique group
  meetings.
• ·        
  I meet with my publisher and other
  authors.
• ·        
  I attend religious services and funerals.
• ·        
  I attend birthday parties and other
  celebrations.
• ·        
  I have certain medical appointments.

Most of these events have had more participation from
people located all over the world than ever would have been possible in person.

Earlier this month, I had a new book released, A MURDER
OF PRINCIPAL. Thanks to Rachele Baker at 
Authors Live! Online, I was able to have a celebratory virtual book
launch party that was almost as good as being there. (If you’re interested, contact Rachele at https://www.authorsliveonline.com/learn-more-about-our-services-for-authors.) A few bookstores have
offered to host virtual book events, too. Except for autographing and giving
hugs, there isn’t much the virtual events leave out compared to in-person
events. And there are advantages in being able to attend from the comfort of
home, both for attendees and hosts.

I often think of how isolated people must have been
during pandemics prior to the internet. I’m grateful, if I had to live through
such a long time socially distanced, that I can talk face-to-face with people
as easily as clicking on a link.

Whenever we go back to in-person meetings, I’ll be
among the first to kick up my stilettos, but for some things, I hope we are able to
keep our virtual meetings, as well. Meanwhile, I wish each of you a happy new year with good health, much joy, and lots of personal connections, virtual and otherwise.

Want to connect with Saralyn virtually? Subscribe to
her monthly newsletter or contact her at http://www.saralynrichard.com.