Writing used to be a lonely profession but it doesn’t have to be anymore. There are so many wonderful writing communities online now that we never have to face anything alone again unless we choose to. Between Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, and all the others, you are bound to find someone to connect with and to share your journey with. All you have to do is reach out.
Supporting each other is a two-way street though, we can’t ever forget that. Paying it forward is very important in the writing communities, but we must do it with honest, good intentions~not because we expect something in return. Be there for your writing friends, talk with them, comment on their blogs when you can, critique for them when you can (constructively of course), and buy their books when the time comes. Good karma comes around and the friendships you’ll forge by supporting each other are worth every second of time spent on them.
So true. I wrote my first draft of my first novel in the mid-90's, before social media existed like it is now. There were internet chatrooms, but that was it, and it was a very different process. No matter what people may find lacking in social media, it is such a great source of support for people involved in similar endeavors. I LOVE the blogosphere for that reason. Thanks for a great post.
ReplyDeleteWords to live by, Heather, and I know you do!
ReplyDeleteVery true. I hope I never take the community for granted. They've already given me so much.
ReplyDeleteI had something profound to say, clicked on the wrong thing, went on a wild goose chase and finally made it back here. And now I forgot what I wanted to say. So, um, yeah...good post. And it looks like I missed a good #writersroad. Dang.
ReplyDeleteThe support of others on the road is so important. Just a kind word on a bad day can make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteSo True Heather. Supporting each other is essential. Nobody goes this alone, and we are all here to support each other... because we can! We should. And life is about paying it forward.
ReplyDeleteLinda, me too and it's so much nicer now that we have such connections!
ReplyDeleteLorelei, they are indeed. :)
Lydia, me too, well said!
Kristie, lol! I have no doubt it was something wonderful about supporting each other. ;)
ReplyDeleteJulie, so very true! The impact we have on each other is wonderful and powerful.
Karlene, exactly! :)
I'm still an "in-the-closet" writer to my family and community. The virtual friendships and contacts I've made are priceless. Technology is good in many, many ways!
ReplyDeleteerica
Erica, wonderful writers and people like you are what make me so grateful for our community. We help keep the closet people from feeling alone. :)
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