Writer - A-Z Challenge, Starting & Sustaining A Writing Career

Monday, April 27, 2015

Many of us write in isolation, we may share space with someone else while tapping out our stories, but our minds puts us in another realm. Apart from face-to-face interaction with other writers, the internet gives us access to a host of kindred spirits who are on a similar journey.

Without hesitation, I can say the internet has been a tremendous source of knowledge and without the people I've met online, I wouldn't be as decent a writer as I am today. I'm grateful to a host of people who shared their knowledge and critiqued my work when it was a mess that needed plenty of refinement.

When you have a bad review, low to no sales, rejections as well as positive situations, writers can identify with what you're going through and commiserate. On your journey, you don't know who might act as a kingmaker and turn your career around in a short time.

There are a lot more people who read than people who write, so other writers shouldn't be viewed as competition. If anything, seize the opportunity to learn from other who are further along on the journey or who have a keen understanding of particular areas, like marketing and promotion.

I believe other writers are perhaps the biggest blessing we have, so it's important to value relationships and be a true friend. When your friends and family don't understand you flaking out over a plotline that refuses to come together or a character who insists on taking you down a story path you had no intention of writing, a writer will.

Your friendship with other scribes will yield rewards you won't see coming until the time is right. Nurture your relationships. They'll get you through the vagaries of this craft we all love.

Can you think of any writers who have been lifesavers up to now? Are you being a friend and lending a hand to other writers?


Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.
                                                            - Jane Howard

10 comments:

  1. Too many to list; this blogging community is amazing!

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  2. They are the biggest blessing. I wouldn't still be writing if not for the online community of writers, and of course the IWSG has played a big role in this.

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  3. Meeting other writers online changed my life.

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  4. There are so many writers who have helped me I couldn't even begin to name them all.

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  5. I don't know what I'd do without the writers I've found through blogging and other social media. I'd be lost and depressed and yes, very lonely.

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  6. I have to say that out of all the blogging groups, writers( of which I am not one of them) are the most supportive of each other. I can't think of another group that encourages and promotes one another.

    Just stopping by to say thank you for taking the time to read and to leave a comment on my blog. :)

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  7. Absolutely, and the beauty is we all help each other along.

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  8. I'm at the beginning of that journey... not sure what support I can really give, but I'm there :D

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  9. Oh yes, having a group of writers to turn to has been invaluable. :) I now admin for a group of about 7,000 members, and help some of them with book design or beta reading... it is very rewarding, and I love them!

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