Encouragement for Writers

 

Those of you who are subscribers here know that under the title of the blog, it says: My writing world with tips and encouragement for writers. That sentence covers everything this blog is. I'm here to talk about my writing world, to give tips to other writers, and also to encourage other writers. That last part is what today's topic covers.

ENCOURAGEMENT  

My aim is to encourage other writers to grow as writers, to publish more often if that is a goal for them, and to let them know they aren't alone in this wild world of writing. Don't we all like to have a friend back us up in whatever we choose to do? 

Writers have emotional ups and downs on a regular basis. That goes for the beginners, middle level and those who are old pros. It's human nature and also a part of the creative craft we pursue.  Usually, artists, sculptors, musicians, and writers are by nature emotional people. It's that emotion that comes through in what we create. 

When our emotions and our writing world pulls us on a downward spiral, we need the encouragement of others. Parents, siblings, and friends can offer that needed lift, but when it comes from another writer, it might mean a bit more. Why? Because only another writer knows what we're going through. They've been there, done that! They understand how rejections feel, how frustrating it is when a story doesn't work right, or how time constraints hinder our progress. 

One of the reasons I started this blog was to encourage other writers as they move along on their writing journey. It helps to have someone in your corner urging you on just like the boxers we see in movies. Between rounds, someone is there to encourage them to get up and go back to fighting even though they may feel like crawling home. 

Should writers actively seek encouragement from other writers? I see no problem in doing that. Joining a critique group, whether in person or online, is one way to find encouragement from other writers. Yes, they are going to show you where you need to improve, but they should also give you a boost by pointing out the good things in whatever you have subbed for critique.

Should all writers give encouragement to other writers? I think it is a great thing to do, Many of the 'how-to' books on writing are written by veteran writers. They give the rest of us encouragement by sharing their knowledge in a book we can read. Some writers agree to mentor other writers, and what is that but encouragement? Christina Hamlett, yesterday's Guest Blogger, is a perfect example of an experienced writer doing what she can to encourage other writers.

We all like to be encouraged, but it's just as important to pass it on to other writers, as well.