Xenophobia and Xenophilia, a Writer’s Contradiction

Xenophobia and xenophilia? Or both?

All during the AtoZChallenge, I’ve dreaded writing about the letter “X” almost as much as the letters “Q” and “Z”. How could I find an “X” word that relates to writing? Through an exhaustive search (at least 5 minutes), I’ve found TWO “X” words: Xenophobia and Xenophilia.

According to Wikipedia:

“Xenophobia is the fear and distrust of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange.”

“Xenophilia means an affection for unknown/foreign objects or people.”

Normally, xenophobia deals with one’s fear of another culture or people, but I’m sticking to the “foreign or strange” aspect of the definitions.

Writers are an odd group of people. Put one in a room with the internet her only contact to the outside world, and she’s content. Let her write, and send a check once her book is published (with no face-to-face contact with the principles involved, thank you very much).

Writers are the most introverted of the introverted. They fear and distrust:

• Meeting readers
• Most social media
• Submitting their work for fear of rejection
• Submitting their work for fear of acceptance
• Actually, anything involving believing in themselves, their work, and the outside world

Writers are xenophobic.

On the other hand, when it comes to writing, particularly research, they love the unknown. We will research hobo code, the warning signs of a stalker, and how to kill someone without leaving a trace. We are suckers for the unknown.

Writers are xenophiliacs.

How can writers show symptoms of xenophobia and xenophilia? Because we’re weird. What other profession listens to the voices in their head, and get paid to do so?

Tomorrow’s AtoZChallenge will be about the letter “Y”.

Until then, blessings,

Cheryl

If you’d like to continue reading my entries in the AtoZChallenge* and to receive my blog posts, please use the entry form to the right. Also sign up for my newsletter, and you’ll receive a FREE copy of my short story, Mr. Right, Mr. Wrong, Mr. Alien.

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*#AtoZChallenge is a blogging challenge that takes place in April (except on Sundays). Participants blog every day around a theme of their choosing, in alphabetical order. Throughout the month of April, I’ll share tips, links, and insights I’ve learned in my writing career.

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