...they can make you look great or cut you deep.
~NerdSnark (2008)
When I first started writing I had no one. Nobody for me to call and whine about my writing troubles or triumphs. Talking to non-writers just isn't the same as talking to someone who has been there. Someone who knows how deep a rejection can cut. How thrilling it is to finally get a request for a partial. You know, all those little writing moments that you need to share.
Nope, I braved the black hole of publishing on my own for a very long time. Can't say I regret those years, because I wouldn't be able to truly appreciate the circle of friends I now have around me.
Yet some people don't think they need that type of circle. Some people have been badly burned. And, of course when you first start out you are paranoid someone will steal your incredible, one-of-a-kind idea/plot/line/witty dialogue/character name--take your pick.
So, today's questions:
Do you have writing friends? At what point in your career did you get them?
Or do you think you don't need them?
* Sidenote- Even if you are not published writing is still your career. Don't fool yourself into thinking otherwise. *
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10 comments:
I do have ONE good writing friend, a nd she is in Washington State, which is hard because I'm in Pennsylvania! I've been working towards getting more writing friends locally, but it really isn't easy. There are only 2 local groups, and one is inconstent, other a little too far to realistically join. I'm really hoping that next year I'll be able to go to a local conference and meet some people there.
gina b.
Mom Blog
Writing blog
I think I would be
even crazier than I am now
without the support of writing friends.
My local romance writing chapter was a godsend for this.
Every month we meet
and yap.
Well, you know me. I NEED my writer friends.
Many of them have kept me from making an ass of myself, burning bridges and generally shooting myself in the foot.
I wouldn't have made it without them.
I love my writing friends. I got many of them when I joined RWA and formed a local chapter. You have to have writing friends, who else will understand the concept of a good rejection letter. LOL
I've been working towards getting more writing friends locally, but it really isn't easy.
I have to agree. The point to a friendship is having someone who you can trust and someone who is dependable. You might as well go all out and have someone who is smart, funny, and serious about their writing.
a nd she is in Washington State, which is hard because I'm in Pennsylvania!
You'd be surprised how many writing friends don't live in the same state much less the same city.
Every month we meet
and yap.
I think this is a two fold thing. One you are getting out the house that has nothing to do with work (or kids, if you have them) and you get to talk shop.
I think I would be
even crazier than I am now...
LMAO.
Many of them have kept me from making an ass of myself, burning bridges and generally shooting myself in the foot.
"That's what friends are for..."
Anyway, yes, writing friends go beyond the networking aspect of publishing to being a support group for a writer. I truly believe it takes a village to write a book. I'm very wary of authors who say they don't have anyone. (need anyone) But it could just be me who feels that way.
Thanks for coming by Jen. Your opinion is always welcomed.
You have to have writing friends, who else will understand the concept of a good rejection letter.
Lol. Yeah, I tried to explain that once to a family member. Having friends who get that is priceless.
I'd be lost without my writer friends. Of course, they happen to also be my bff's above and beyond the writing thing. We support each other, crit each other's stuff, write together and every other thing you can imagine. I have two main ones, my best Friend Chelsea and my dear friend Margie, both of whom I've co-authored books with. I write solo as well, but more than anything I enjoy co-writing, it's so much more fun to have someone else to play off of and to not always know what a character is going to say or do next.
They let me cry when I need to, give me a boot to the ass when I need it and are the only ones who can possibly understand why it's perfectly normal to grab a grocery store receipt and frantically beg bystanders for a pen to write down this amazing new plot idea.
My husband writes plays, so he gets it and is a good critiquer. Haven't yet found anyone in my local chapters, but I've just begun testing the waters there. Beyond that, I have online acquaintances through writing groups. One group writes original fiction -- I wouldn't mind meeting up with them at a conference -- they're game. The other group writes fan fiction. The inherent anonymity (and perceived illegitimacy of the writing, I think) makes me hesitant to meet most of them in person. Both groups have supportive and challenging online forums.
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