School Memories

My pre-college school experiences were generally quite good, but a couple that stand out are those that made me feel the worst at the time!

First, I couldn’t recall the correct vocabulary word on a French test in junior high and made one up. My teacher, with whom I later made friends when we both ushered at high school football games, made fun of my made-up word when he gave the next vocabulary test. He didn’t mention me by name, but I knew who he was talking about. I was extremely shy back then, and felt mortified. So mortified that I started studying harder, intending to show him I was not the kind of student he should made fun of. I began getting much better grades after that. I wonder now which of us showed whom...

That shyness, though, was the reason for my other most bittersweet memory. I took Advanced English in high school, and as I was about to graduate my senior class teacher called me into her room and told me I would never succeed in college or in life. After all, I never participated in class. Why didn’t I? Because I was so afraid I’d say the wrong thing and embarrass myself even more.

Did I do all right in college? Yes, although I admit my grades could have been better. I improved in law school, even making law review. But I also tried not to volunteer answers in law classes since my shyness was still controlling--and the classroom experiences I remember best were those in which I did embarrass myself. I had no choice about participating in moot court, and that was, I admit, a disaster. However, it led to my joining Toastmasters. That was the first step in getting more comfortable in front of crowds.

Even more helpful was getting published and realizing that it isn’t all about writing. Promoting one’s work is important, too--and that involves public speaking.

Now, I give talks in front of groups all the time. In fact, I’m giving one this Saturday at the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America.

I’ll also dare to suggest here that I haven’t been a total failure in life. So there, Advanced English teacher!!

Going along with my fellow Killer Hobbyists this week, I’ll hold a contest. My “hobby” is pets, not handiwork, so I’ll provide the winner with a copy of HOWL DEADLY, the eighth Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery that introduces the protagonist of my new spin-off series, Pet Rescuer Lauren Vancouver. Just comment here briefly about your most distressing or embarrassing thing from your school days and how you overcame it. If people dare to enter, I’ll randomly pick a winner and let you know who it is!

Postscript and winner: I appreciate everyone's responses! I let my dogs choose the winner after writing down everyone's names. Drum roll, please... And the winner is N.L. Gassert! Nadja, if you'll e-mail me at lindaojohnston@rocketmail.com with your address, I'll send your copy of HOWL DEADLY.