Outtakes 80

I’m Shy

By Cait Collins

Most people I know do not believe me when I confess to having been a painfully shy teenager. My older sister was beautiful and vibrant. The boys loved her. They only came to see me when they needed help with school work or when Marilyn dumped them. Tired of being every guy’s best friend, I retreated into my shell. I spent my time with my books, my writing, and singing. I also learned to act. While I am still shy, I can now perform my way through difficult situations. For example, in the early days of my broadcasting career, I accepted a challenge to interview NFL draftees at the Coaches All American game. Image a five foot four inch hundred pound woman facing Otis Armstrong. I took a deep breath and asked my questions. Later in my career, I served in a presidential press corps and two vice-presidential press corps. I still have to force myself to walk into crowded rooms alone, but I can manage it. It’s all a matter of assuming a role.

Shy people can be deceiving So much is hidden by the quiet wallflower persona. How many ways can you write a shy character? Think of all the potential behind the reserve. Here’s the assignment. Her name is Bailee. Orphaned, she was raised by her uncle who viewed her as a servant who should be happy to have room, board and a wardrobe. Her cousin had all the advantages. Shannon treated Bailee like a no body and she bought into the image. Then Bailee met Ian, one of the owners of the town’s biggest employer. They fall in love. Ian planned to ask her to marry him until he learned who and what she really was. Now write the climactic scene.