By Jenny Hilborne
Author of mysteries and thrillers
Earlier this month, I found myself in an unfamiliar position
– I went to a party. I was pulled out from behind my computer and my beloved
writing/editing and dragged along invited to attend this thing. The
event, organized by a professional tour group, wasn’t just any old party, either,
but an evening of pre-show revelry for some of rock band Bon Jovi’s most loyal
fans. It meant a lot to these people, many of whom (including my sister) had traveled
all the way to Canada and were one day away from meeting their idol – the man
himself, Jon Bon Jovi.
I wasn’t keen. As the hour drew near, I grew less keen. For
one thing, I had picked up a nasty little cold on the plane ride over and it
had found its grip. Secondly, I hadn’t been to a party (or dressed up and worn
make-up) in ages. Lastly (though, if not for my sister, I’d have thought up a
host of other excuses), I like the band’s music well enough, but I’m not a fan.
I’d rather spend my time writing.
Anyway, I donned what I thought might be acceptable attire
for a rock party, and cringed when the elevator doors opened on the 38th
floor of the hotel and ejected me directly into the party - and into a throng of
die-hard fans. No turning back, and no talking about books or writing. Not here.
My bag stuffed with tissues, I gravitated to the drinks
line, got my tipple, then meandered over to the window where I downed it and looked
out at the stunning views of Toronto - and wished myself back behind my
computer, seventeen floors below. What did I have to talk about up here, with
all these Bon Jovi fans?
Surprisingly, quite a bit, as it turned out. As I mingled, I
discovered passionate people are happy people, good folks to be around. Their
enthusiasm is contagious and I got caught up in it, forgot I wasn’t a fan and
that I felt like crap, and enjoyed myself chatting with people about their
passion (for some an obsession) instead of mine.
While I won’t be attending a
Bon Jovi concert any time soon, it was good to do something different, and for
someone else. These fans couldn’t wait to meet their idol, and I felt a tinge
of sadness that I don’t have one.
It’s hard not to be affected by the excitement and the
energy radiated by passionate people. There was no apathy in the room that night, only happiness
and excitement. I’m glad I got to share in it, form new social bonds, and
appreciate someone else’s passion. Indulging in my sister’s interests for a
week gave me an opportunity to travel. I got to see Niagara Falls, the Toronto
Islands, the CN Tower, and the underground PATH system. The experience was
meaningful and satisfying.
Whether it’s music, books, sports, food…indulging other
people in their passions is a chance to learn, and brings unexpected pleasure.
It makes the world a more enjoyable place. I took a much needed night off from
writing, and enjoyed a great night at the Bon Jovi pre-show party. I even got a few
ideas for characters in future books.
Whatever floats your boat, get out there and enjoy it. When
you’d rather stay at home, go out and get carried along with the hype. It’s
infectious. Then you can bring those passions alive again—whether they are yours or
someone else’s—when you write.
