on writing, 06/07/2018

I went to an art fair  in Columbia, MO last weekend while my
brother  was in  town. My  brother is  what I  call a  "fine
artist." I don't know what a  "rough artist" might be, but I
do have  an idea  in my head  of what a  fine artist  is. My
brother paints (watercolor, acrylic, and oil), makes jewelry
and pottery, and works in just  about any medium that he can
find  time for.  The best  thing about  his art  is that  he
doesn't quite seem to realize how good it is.

Anyway, the art fair was a  complete surprise to both of us,
and to  our wives. Most of  these kinds of events,  at least
that ones that we've seen,  are just a collection of artists
that are primarily focused on  selling art at fairs. Many of
these kinds of fairs focus on product that is affordable for
the masses. Most seem to be open to artists on a first-come,
first-serve basis.

This art fair in Columbia  was curated or judged, it seemed,
and only quite notable talent  was allowed to have a booth.
I  say "quite  notable" in  a relative  sense, comparing  to
other  art shows  that I've  seen. It  was a  truly pleasant
experience. It's amazing to see  what people can create. The
creative spirit astounds me continually.

By chance I came across a booth  at the art fair for a local
writers guild. I  can't recall the exact name,  but I signed
up for their mailing list.

I  don't know  anything about  guilds. I  have a  vague idea
of  the  term  from  books  and video  games.  Not  being  a
particularly social  person, I'm not  sure if the idea  of a
guild will appeal  to me or not. I tend  also to be somewhat
shy about sharing my creative endeavors with people. Both of
these things I'd like to overcome,  so a guild might be just
the thing I need. It seems like it's worth a look.

The fellow  at the writer's guild  booth mentioned something
that  made  me think  of  circumlunar.space.  He noted  that
within the guild  there are cliques; for  fiction writers or
technical writers, etc. When I go to their meeting, I expect
to find a schismatrix-named clique for the sci-fi group.