Hello friends,

There are a wide variety of humans, but today I’m thinking about two basic types. There are the people who take themselves out of the picture. Write themselves out of the story. Slink to the edges of the frame.

Others take center stage at all times. They fill the image, crowding out or overshadowing those around them. These people are the stars of the show, and the only Main Characters.

But here’s the thing: no matter what our tendencies or training, we would all do well to learn to share the frame, to fill out the story. We are all needed to complete the picture.

Do you know what your main tendencies are? Or do they shift according to circumstance? Or are you already primed to share the picture, and co-create the story? See, that’s a third type. The person who happily holds out a hand to draw others toward the center alongside them.

But sometimes I think those who do that naturally might be rare. Mostly, I think that sort of sharing takes practice and paying attention. But regardless of whether this sharing of space comes naturally to some, the rest of us can learn. We can place ourselves firmly in the picture and enjoy the centrality of others, too.

We are all part of the interplay of art and life. There are no non-player-characters or walk ins.

There’s only us, sharing this world together.

Best wishes — Thorn

Do you enjoy short fiction? I wrote a rare thing for me—a queer magical fantasy Regency romance—and it’s free on my Patreon right now.

I also contributed a queer romantic suspense story for a multi-author anthology that launches on Kickstarter at the end of the month. It’s all about the risks we’re willing to take for life and love. You can follow along here: All in On Love ​