Did I mention I'm the President?

No, I'm not "tetched in the haid" as my native Hoosiers might say. I am the President of my local chapter of Romance Writers of America--known as Desert Rose. let me explain. Some of the members and I were having dinner with a warm and wonderful visiting literary agent last night, when a friend to my left asked, "Why did you become president, knowing that it would take time from your writing?" The answer came automatically, "I'm giving back just a small part of what's been given to me." This chapter of local authors are the folks who taught me how to go about writing and then publishing and then marketing my novels. I could never have done it without them. And when life get's a rough spot? It's these same folks who help me through. Then, I looked around the table and spotted a board member, our secretary, and as she beamed across the table I realized how much more I know her and appreciate her than I did a year ago, when I barely recognized her name. The same is true of every member of my board. I thought back to our last board meeting where all the members concurred that we don't want the closeness to end. We've learned each others' strengths and know just when to step in to help each other. We are such an effective team now that it warms my heart and makes me smile. Could I do this position alone? Not on my life. Have I gotten much more out of it than I've given? Yes. Now I need to get back to work and try to even up that balance again. The moral of this story? When someone asks you to step up for something you strongly believe in? Don't count the cost. Just do it. It will make you smile...again and again.