Just got back from a visit to speak before a creative writing class at Monsignor Donovan High School in Toms River, NJ. It was a pleasure to spend about an hour and a half with Mrs. Buechner’s class, which consisted of about 30 kids and my old pal, Harold Frazee, the world’s greatest musical director.
The toughest thing about speaking before any group of students is hoping that they are all there because they want to be, not because they have to be, but this crew really seemed to be into it, to my great relief. The questions were excellent and thought-provoking, except for one from my pal Harry (“Is there nepotism in publishing?” I mean, sheesh, isn’t there nepotism everywhere??). Outside of that, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if a few of the people in that room might be seeing their names in print someday.
It’s strange, but I actually enjoy public speaking. Somewhere I read that it is the single most common fear among people. I don’t get that. I’m far more terrified of going to all-you-can-eat buffets that don’t label their food than public speaking. I mean, I’ve never had to spit out a microphone …