Some writers enjoy arresting the glow of a momentary spotlight. But I am more at home hiding behind my bylines, and the semi-secrecy of this blog. On Wednesday afternoon I have to give a reading of one of my creative writing pieces to a bunch of school donors and professors and there will be nowhere to hide.

For awhile, I’d successfully wormed my way out of doing a reading at the awards ceremony. If only I could avoid one of the extremely persuasive and intimidating English professors until the ceremony, I’d be home free.  My plan failed. After class was a message from him on my cellular. He spoke pleasantly, sounding much like a parent who asks you to do something but is secretly telling you to do it. So now I’m stuck giving a reading on Wednesday afternoon.

If I had my way I’d conveniently tumble down a few flights of stairs ten minutes before go-time. If that doesn’t work, I can drown myself Thursday night in a few stiff drinks.