Hybrid it Is

As people start to gather, feeling a bit safer coming out of Covid, organizations that relied on Zoom, Google Meet, and other online meeting places, are trying to bring people back to meeting in person. But there's some pushback. Some people crave the personal contacts, but many prefer the online presence. We've become used to jumping onto our devices five minutes before a meeting with no changing clothes, driving to a specified location, or asking for a ride. Those online meetings have saved us a lot of time. I can still facilitate the fiction critique group from the Fredericksburg, VA library while I'm in Connecticut or Florida. For the last two years I've been able to attend two genealogy society meetings via Zoom. Organizations are now accommodating both constituents by offering hybrid meetings. This past week I gave Zoom presentations for two rural libraries in Upstate New York. It was great fun with folks sitting in the library and others at home on Zoom. A year ago I gave an in-person, but outside, presentation in Essex, New York. I asked those attending for help with the setting of my book in process, Deadly Secrets, set in their town. The group had a great time sharing what they loved about living in the Adirondacks, and what wasn't so much fun. It really helped me with details I wouldn't otherwise have known, and I appreciated their input. Last week, on Zoom with the two Upstate New York libraries, at the end of the presentation, I asked participants to develop a character for my next book. The patrons jumped right in to create a character. Each one was different, both with interesting characteristics. One library's patrons developed a male, the other library's patrons developed a female. Ironically, the two characters complement each other in a way that will make an interesting story. I'm looking forward to doing more Zoom presentations, and am happy to Zoom into book club meetings to share ideas. I, for one, am thankful that libraries and genealogy societies are offering hybrid meetings. Because I can't be in all these places!!