One of the things I learned early on is that writers need other writers. Writing is a tough business. We face rejections on so many levels, whether it's from agents, editors, or readers. I've come to think that the only way to survive in this industry is by connecting with other writers.
I joined YALitChat, She Writes, the blue boards, and the Writer's Retreat. All online communities for writers. I also have a critique group, participate in twitter chats such as #YALitChat and #KidLitChat, and I recently joined Scene13, which is a group of writers with books coming out in 2013.
My discovery? Writers are the greatest people. We support each other. We cheer each other on. We're there to lend a shoulder. This is such an amazing community to be a part of. So I just want to say how thankful I am to be a writer and to have met so many other amazing writers over the past few years.
How has the writing community helped you?
Aww. You're so sweet. I'm in even more forums than you (but I don't tweet or FB), and you're right - the writing community is invaluable. My writing group means everything to me, and if I eventually publish, it'll be thanks to their support and hard work. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, Lexa, how do you keep up with all those forums? LOL My email inbox explodes everyday from all the notifications from them all. I do love the people I meet through them though.
DeleteYou certainly were there for me, Kelly, I hope I've returned the favor. It's so special when you see writers outside a typical fan's eyes and watch them succeed.
ReplyDeleteAs much we gripe about the drawbacks and traps on the internet, like in the offline world, it has it's high points, and for me (Aside from online shopping), is the chance to converse with people who live all over the world, some of my best beta-readers and supporters are people I might not have met otherwise.
I agree, Taurean. I've met so many people I never would have if not for the internet. I love all my writer friends. And I'm so glad I was able to watch you on your journey. I'm so happy for you, Taurean.
DeleteKelly, I agree with you that other writers are great for seeing us through. I know if it wasn't for you guys and everyone at the Writers Retreat etc. I would have given up ages ago.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a business that needs other people to keep us going.
Yes. It's so tough sometimes, isn't it?
DeleteCommunity is a great thing, including our blog community. My writing group has also been a huge help in many ways. We all need friendship and professional cameraderie in this business.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely do!
DeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I don't think I'd still be doing this if it weren't for the support and encouragement I have gotten from my writing friends and critique partners. It's not an easy profession to be in because there are so many ups and downs to it. Thanks for posting this and giving us all an opportunity to thank each other!
I agree. We need each other so much, and not just for pulling through the tough times, but also for cheering each other's successes.
Deleteyou are so right - this is the best community!
ReplyDelete:) Yes, it is.
DeleteOh yes, writers need writers. I thrived in Yalitchat, Absolutewrite.com/forums and Maryland Writers Association. All the support I needed was there. This is a hard business, but a passionate one. I wouldn't trade my writing friends for all the world. They've been my source of encouragement every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteSame here, LM. :)
DeleteI have two critique groups which help me move my story along. It is a valuable resource that I appreciate. I also joined the Tallahassee Writers Association and Florida Writers Association. Having information flowing in and out of these organizations helps me learn about the publishing industry up front.
ReplyDeleteI'm nowhere near finishing my novel, but I feel better prepared if/when I ever get there. I think it's worth the $75.00 per year I spend for dues.
A lot of the content I receive because I have access to the resources, I try to share on my blog as my contribution back to the writing community. I think it's very important, because not everyone can afford to join and access the same resources.
Great post, Kelly! We should all remember to help each other out when we can. :)
I always tried to do what I can to help other writers because so many helped me. It's good to pay it forward and be supportive of each other.
DeleteOnly a fellow writer can understand when you are arguing with your characters. And sympathize with you when the character wins the argument... :)
ReplyDeleteI don't even argue with them anymore. I've accepted they're smarter than I am. ;)
DeleteOh so right.
ReplyDeleteWe not only help each other, but we understand the road bumps.
As to being super-supportive, I will add that this is especially true for Kid-lit writers.
I can't speak for adult writers since I don't write for adults, but yes, kid-lit authors are amazing people!
DeleteI know, as an author, I'm so thankful for all the support you've given me!
ReplyDeleteFaith, you are the retweet master! I love that retweet my tweets. You're so supportive. :)
DeleteI'm in a number of forums, but not those ones. It's gotten me into contact with so many people I wouldn't have otherwise gotten to know, and you're right, writers are, for the most part, supportive of each other.
ReplyDeleteI met you at Writer's Digest, which sadly is not there anymore. :(
DeleteYep, writing is such an isolated activity, especially for those of us who don't have day jobs. I'd be a mini-hermit if not for all the great folks I've met via social media. :)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. Most days, I'm home by myself with my laptop for hours on end.
DeleteI'm just getting to know this community and I like it here! I am looking forward to staying here!
ReplyDeleteWe are happy to have you! :)
DeleteThanks for the nice comment on William's blog. I look forward to hearing how your friend liked Penniless Hearts.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Eve!
DeleteWriters are rock-solid when you need a hug or cheer. I only recently joined Verla Kay's boards, and despite it being a little intimidating right now, I know I'll find valuable fellowship there. :)
ReplyDeleteThe blue boards can be a little intimidating at first, but I'm sure you'll fit right in in no time.
DeleteHi Kelly, I think that it's definitely important to have like minded people in our lives. I'm lucky in that my husband writes plays with me and is always available to offer comments on my prose writing. I'm also a member of She Writes and have found a lot of support and information on there too. That's where I came across you.
ReplyDeleteI wish my husband would read my work, but he hates to read. If I read to him, that's fine, but he won't read on his own. I'll never understand that.
DeleteApparently the ipad does not like blogspot when I tried to comment earlier.
ReplyDeleteI was just saying I agree that without other writers I would not be where I am today. Now I need to find some writing groups for my genre which is harder then I thought.
I love my CPs. They just came to my rescue, critiquing a manuscript on a whim for me. Good luck finding a group, Michelle.
DeleteGosh, wwhere to start on this one! When I first started on social media, it was a fellow writer, Talli Roland who 'taught' me blog etiquette, then Twitter etiquette. Fellow writers have helped me improve my sites, they've commented on my work, encouraged me, supported me, laughed with and at me and stopped mee taking myself too seriously. YOU were one of the first to visit and comment on my blog ( we met through shewrites, didn't we?) and that was such an encouragement.Don't know how I'd have kept going without my writng buds!!! Precious and irreplaceable.
ReplyDeleteReally? I was one of the first to comment on your blog? I feel so special. :) So glad I met you, Carol. I love talking to you on our blogs, on Twitter, and on FB. And, yes, I think we did meet on SheWrites.
DeleteOh I so totally agree! The writing community is amazing! I've met so many awesome people and gotten such awesome help, support, and all that kind of stuff that I don't know where I'd be without so many awesome writers!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, which is why I try to help other writers as much as I can. I want to pay it forward.
DeleteGreat post - and I couldn't agree more! Writing is such a solitary activity but you need the help and support and friendship of other writers (who "get it") to get through it! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly. :)
DeleteWhat she said!!!! :)
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteSo true! I love my writing group and YALitChat. It's such a wonderful thing to talk reading and writing with a group of people who understand the obsession :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. :)
DeleteMy first connection with writer's group was poor. Nice people, but 1) I was the only consistent writer, 2) they were all MFA's and didn't 'appreciate my style of writing or voice, I wasn't literary. I don't know why I hung on to the group, it wasn't fun. I finally left and struck out on my own, and still covet a local group, maybe one day. However, over the last year I've found more of a virtual connection and continue to build on it. I am glad for it because it makes a difference knowing I can reach out. We do need one another.. sometimes a kick in the pants or a how you doing, or just hey, guess what, can make all the difference in a day. As for my other group.. none of them have finished any thing or submitted. Me, I keep moving forward and have managed to do publish, have pieces coming out in anthologies this spring/summer. I stopped working about literary.
ReplyDeleteFinding a good group can be tough but it's worth it in the end. I hope you find one, Brenda. Mine is virtual because local groups are so tough to come by.
DeleteWow! Good list of links! I have only really been using She Writes which is great, but I want to connect with more YA and MG authors.
ReplyDeleteI definitely wouldn't be where I am right now without connecting with other cool authors like you ;)
Yeah, check them out.
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