Writers - A-Z Bloggging Challenge, Starting & Sustaining A Writing Career

Friday, April 3, 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

2 comments:

  1. I've had many helpful writer friends over the years. I meet weekly with the same lady and we write, critique, talk, and share our ups and downs. I have many online writers I keep in touch with as well.

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  2. I probably wouldn't have any books if not for the online writers I met. They gave me courage and help with every part of the journey.

    ~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
    Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

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