“Click”
When you meet someone and right away, you got it goin’ on
This is not a story about sexual attraction. Let me get this out of the way up front because I know how you guys love to read about sex and I don’t want to lead you on. I’ll try to write a sexy story real soon for y’all.
This piece is about attraction, though. The mental and emotional kind. As when two virtual strangers meet and hit it off almost immediately. They find a common ground and they’re off and running.
There’s something so mysterious and spine-tinglingly wonderful about an instant connection between two human beings, isn’t there?
Since joining Medium in November of 2018, I’ve been blessed in that I’ve forged what I believe are solid connections with many wonderful folks.
Naturally, having the “writing thing” in common is a jumping-off point, because we are extremely sensitive creatures and many of us are in pain. Oh, we may not put that pain front and center all the time but, come on — how many of us write because we’re happy as freakin’ clams and just want to spread that love and light?
Not many, I’ll wager. No. We writers ache. Drawing from deep wellsprings of hurt, whether past or present, we share our darkest secrets and in doing so, stumble across what are sometimes the most unlikely, kindred spirits.
That element of surprise — that instant when you “click” — is what I love about forging new friendships. And now, more than ever, when simply hugging someone can put us at risk of disease, we need to experience the milk of human kindness any way we can. And empathy. Let me not forget that most elemental of human emotions.
It’s right here, in our virtual universe, if you care to find it.
And thankfully, I have found it. With men and women of all ages and walks of life as well as those who are at different stages in their writing journies. I believe we all learn from and are inspired by one another.
“Inspired.” Yep. I’ve never written so damn much in my life! For that, I owe a big “Thank You!” to my buddies here. You keep me chugging along. And laughing when I need it the most. I wonder how many of you realize how freakin’ funny you are? In a balls-out, pull-no-punches kind of way. The kind of way I love.
You’ve also made me cry, with your heartfelt stories of love and loss. Because your honesty is raw and transcendent, we can all relate. That’s what it’s all about, no?
I hope I do the same for you.
I’m excited about this new publication and am looking forward to all the great work, some of which has already been shared, with more to come. As is my good friend and partner here, P.G. Barnett, who’s not only a mensch but one hell of a writer. (Check out his fiction!) He’s also an attentive, top-notch editor.
Old friends. New ventures. Just the invigorating kick in the collective ass we can all use right now. I hope you agree.
Finally, I’ve been thinking about this piece for a while. Thinking of a way I could thank my friends here for being who they are: Real people with real issues. People who can tell one hell of a story.
You all rock.
Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.
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