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Bookish folk aren__ what they used to be. Introverted, reserved, studious. There was a time when bookish folk would steer clear of trendy bars, dinner occasions and gatherings. Any social or public encounters would be avoided at all costs because these activities were very un-bookish. Bookish people preferred to stay in, or to sit alone in a quiet pub, reading a good book, or getting some writing done. Writers, in fact, perhaps epitomised these bookish traits most strongly. At least, they used to.These days, bookish people, such as writers, are commonly found on stage, headlining festivals, or being interviewed on TV. Author events and performances have proliferated, becoming established parts of a writer__ role. It__ not that authors have suddenly become more extroverted _ it__ more a case that their job description has changed. Of course, not all writers are bookish. Not in the traditional sense of the word anyway. Some are well suited for public life, particularly those from certain academic backgrounds where public speaking is encouraged and confidence in social situations is shaped and formed. These writers may even be termed __regarious_, and are thus happy being offered up for speaking engagements, stage discussions and signings. Good for them. But the others _ the timid, shy and mousy authors _ they__e being thrust into the limelight too. That__ my lot. The social wipeouts. Unprepared and ill-equipped to face our reader audience. What__ most concerning is that no one is offering us any guidance or tips. We__e expected to hit the ground running, confident and ready, loaded with banter, quips and answers. It__ a disaster waiting to happen.