Zoom Meetings

   

 I am not a big fan of Zoom. I think it goes hand-in-hand with the current trend of texting rather than actually talking to someone. Has society become so afraid of relating to others on a personal level, and have we lost the art of reading body language. When texting, we certainly don't have to worry about the other person knowing what we really feel since they can't see you.

   My writer's critique group used to meet on a regular basis at the local pizza parlor. Three to four submissions to critique was normal and we usually finished up on time. In the same amount of time on Zoom, we usually only have time for two. The critiques felt more engaging and personal compared to how they feel talking to a computer screen. Some folks always came a little early to share questions or just to catch up with the other writers. Others might stay late to discuss issues brought up during the critique. Sitting next to each other around a table made it easy to pick up on emotions and read body language. That is almost impossible when all you can see is a person's head. 

   It's also important to point out that when someone takes the time to dress and drive to a meeting, they are investing their time for a purpose. They want to get the most out of their time spent at the meeting. I get the feeling sometimes that folks during a Zoom meeting are not as focused on what's going on and their thoughts are drifting to their surroundings and thoughts of what needs to be done around the house gain their attention.

   Meeting at a location that also served food is a plus. We never had a problem with others eating during our critiques. Why is it that some people try to hide the fact that they are eating during a Zoom meeting?  Others can't wait for the meeting to be over because they are hungry and want to go eat. 

   Maybe Zoom works well for business meetings where facts and figures are discussed, but writers deal with emotions, feelings and visions. It's difficult trying to share your thoughts and feelings with a computer screen. I hope that someday we can go back to at least one in-person meeting each month.

   As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

   Another short scene for you. Enjoy.

   Thanks for reading!

Odessa turned away and whispered, “And here you are, saddled with a spoiled, headstrong Blood Witch who murders men without a thought.”

He took the empty bowl from her unresisting fingers and placed it along with his own on the nearest fallen tower stone. He stood before the Princess and held her hands gently in his own. Odessa raised her eyes to his, tears streaming down her cheeks. Leaning down, he kissed her softly on the lips, gathered her in his arms and spoke quietly.

“Witch is a state of mind fueled by your fear and the fear of others. You and I are mages, nothing more and nothing less. Do you think I don’t notice the occasional fear in people’s eyes when they look at me? What is to stop me from becoming like Mage Robric and using my power for evil?”

A ray of sunlight burst through the trees and lit Odessa’s face as he held her at arm’s length. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Princess. Whatever the future holds, my life will forever be molded by your love for me. Our hope for an army at our back when we return home is now only a dream. But I haven’t forgotten my promise to you. I will find a way to take back your kingdom.”

She reached up and cupped the side of his face. “Have I ever told you, you are a special person, Aldan Beaverson?”

A smile lit up the young man’s face, threatening to outshine the sun. Aldan took her by the hand when Commander Regis called their names. “Come, it isn’t over yet. There are still some difficult decisions to be made.”