Sarah and I met four and a half years back on a Harry Potter fan site. She was Professora Blake, I was Lily Lives On. We didn't have faces, we had avatars- I'm not sure what mine was, but her's was a painting of a lady.
We discussed all things Harry Potter, then graduated to writing and discussing fan-fiction, and somewhere along the way started sharing and discovering more personal things about each other. We did a lot of crazy stuff, like being invovled in the online trial of a fictional character, and creating complicated theories about how the Harry Potter series would end.
About three years back, some of us started an online forum for writers, with the intention of motivating each other to keep writing. That met with limited success (only book has come out of the community, and only one other person has completed a book), but somewhere along the line, we became really good friends.
It wasn't just Sarah - it was a whole lot of others, who I first encoutered as an avatar, then got to know as a person, and over time started trusting as a friend. But Sarah was the first of them that I got to meet.
She finally made it to India for a series of lectures, and we met for lunch. Strangely, I wasn't at all apprehensive about meeting her. I knew that the problem would not be what to talk about, but how to stop and pull away. And it was just that- the hours melted away, and if I didn't have to get back to work, I am not sure I would have wanted the afternoon to end.
Someday, I know I will meet all the friends I have made online, but even if I don't, I'm not going to fret. If Sarah's any indication, the people I know online are exactly the same people they are in real life, so knowing them online is enough too.
8 comments:
I know exactly what you mean! I met an online buddy a few years ago and was a bit apprehensive because I didn't know her all that well, but when I met up with the awesome Burrowers last year there was absolutely NO apprehension at all. Everyone was EXACTLY as I thought they would be, and there wasn't a single moment where I felt uncomfortable. I sincerely wish that one day soon we will all meet up again, this time ALL of us.
And that is such a fantastic picture of you guys! *glomps*
What a lovely story. I want to meet so many of my online friends. One day, one day....
I'm so glad you got to meet Sarah! And I REALLY hope one day we get to meet face to face! I've managed to meet many online friends (mostly through work travel) and it's true, that meeting them can range from a little awkward to slipping on your most comfortable slippers, and the Burrow is ABSOLUTELY my family.
(and I've now written 3 books, though still not published *pouts*--that first one is absolutely the hardest to finish)
*hugs twin*
That is so cool! You've had the greatest experience with your online group...everyone in it seems so nice.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
I loved the cafe and I still love all the people I met there.
@ Tara - I always thought I knew you guys, but there was always the lurking fear that the people we appear to be may not quite be the people we are. No such worries any more!!! I do wish all the Burrowers (past, present and future) can get together someday.
@ Lauri - thanks for dropping by. I paid your blog a flying visit, and will be back for more. And I am pretty sure that someday soon you will meet your online friends. The world is a much smaller place than we people in Asia and Africa assume it to be.
@ Tami - yes, I do hope to meet all of you someday. You are absolutely family!!!! And fantastic family at that. Maybe we need to get Leanne or Mari to get married soon so we can plan a hen's night for them!
@ Elizabeth - they are the most wonderful bunch of people you can hope to find. But again, so many of my blogging buddies are as nice (you top of the list).
@ Marjorie - ditto!!!
I don't know why I never got around to comment on this post when it was first posted (*looks at date* Wait, I know. Christmas, that's what it was!), but I couldn't agree more. Every Burrower I have been able to meet has been exactly like I imagined her to be. And I LOVE the idea of being able to meet up for Leanne's (or mine) bachelorette party! No I definitely need to go find that Prince Charming!
@ Cruella - yup, Sarah was here the week before Christmas. And I am surprised you remembered that you hadn't commented on this - or did the linky thing prompt you?
A bachelorette party for either you or Leanne- now that would be something to look forward to. One of you, please make it happen fast.
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