Finding Friends in the Writing World

 

Today's photo (silhouette) shows two women having coffee or tea and conversing. It makes me wonder what they are discussing. If they are writers, I'm quite certain that topic will be a good part of their conversation. 

That's a positive. Some writers tend to be a bit reclusive. They prefer to stay at home and write. Writing is a solitary task. No doubt about that. When a writer gets involved in a project, they don't need anyone else around. They're totally immersed. But, when they have free time, it would be beneficial to seek the company of another writer.

Only another wrter understands the ups and downs of the writing world. Your best friend who is a nurse might be sympathetic when you tell her about your latest problem in the piece you're writing. If it's a writer friend, they will actually be able to empathize. They've been there, know the hurdles you're facng, really understand what you're talking about. 

How do you find writer friends? One way is to attend writing conventions or conferences on a regular basis. The first time, you are in a sea of strangers, but by going year after year, you are bound to make some friends. Friends who live in he writing world just like you, Friends who understand your ups and downs.

Another way is to join a critique group. It can be an in-person one in your local area or online. I have been in both kinds. The people in the online group I belong to have become close friends. We critique one another's work, but there is also chit-chat, and  Random Word exercises in which many write about their personal life. If I have a problem in something I am writing, I know I can go to any one of them for help or just to 'talk it out'. 

If you have local writer friends, make a point of getting together now and then. If you don't, maybe it's time to look for some. One way is to join your state writers organization. Most of them will have districts or local chapters. Attend the meetings regularly. Foster friendships there. You seldom become instant friends with anyone. It takes some time to develop a friendship. And, you must work at it. 

Having friends in your writing world will be of great benefit. Give it a try.

Writers Must Believe in Themselves

 

As many of you know, I am a big Kansas State University football fan. This season, the team offered us all a lesson in believing in yourself. They were picked to finish fifth out of ten teams in the Big 12 Conference. They lost a nonconference game to Tulane, and the fans mumbled and grumbled.

They lost two more games in conference play. The team also had some good wins, beating top teams. They ended up #2 in the conference and played in the Big 12 Championship game this past Saturday vs the #1 team in the conference, TCU. 

Article after article pointed out that this K-State team believed in themselves. They beleived they could be conference champions despite three losses in the full season. 'Believe' was a word they spoke over and over, and one they saw on signs in the locker room. That belief carried them to victory on Saturday, beating #1 TCU in overtime 31-28. Our team came home the victors after a hard fought battle. TCU didn't win the conference title, but they will play as one of the top four teams in the nation in a few weeks. 

So, what's all this football tak on a blog about writing? It's one word. Believe. Every writer must find a way to believe in their ability to write, to submit, to be published. Teddy Roosevelt is quoted on today's photo. 'Believe you can and you're halfway there.' 

It's not an easy task to merely say you believe in yourself; it's something you must work at. The K-State team believed, but they were a big group who held one another up in believing. You, as a writer, are a team of one. You are the person who must be the believer. You must assume the idea that you will be a published writer someday. Or, if you are already published, that it will happen again. 

To believe in yourself is to have a positive attitude. No shooting yourself down when a rejection pops up. Believe that you can submit elsewhere and perhaps have success. Believe that you can make some revisions to have a better piece of writing. Believe that you will continue to learn your craft and become a stronger writer. 

Several times I've suggested a simple exercise for writers to do. Stand in front of a mirror and keep repeating a phrase like 'I am a writer.' 'I am a good wirter.' Now try using the phrase 'I believe in myself.' Say it until it becomes fact. Do it several times each day until you can claim it as truth. 

There is so much more to writing that putting words on paper or a screen. Believing in yourself as a writer is only one of many.