When you close your eyes and picture a writer, what do
you see? Often there is an image of a lone writer typing away in a room with wall-to-wall
bookshelves overflowing with well-loved books. A glass half-filled with melting
ice and amber-colored liquid or, in my case, a giant cup of steaming tea,
beside them. However, you visualize the writer, there is a perception of
writing being a solo sport.
This is both true and untrue. True that many aspects of
writing are done solo, but the entire process is very much a team sport and is
enhanced through partnership. I’ve written in my blog about the phenomenal
experience of working with Beta Readers and Editors. Today, I’d like to talk
about finding community as a writer. No matter how individualistic anything appears
on the surface, the experience is always deepened when it’s shared with someone
else or a group of someone elses.
I learned this a few months into my writing journey. It
all started with my friend Meghan aka the BEST BETA READER EVER. I had only
shared with a few select people that I was writing a book. This was often met
with the “Awe, isn’t’ that sweet” expression on their faces. The same
expression that we give to children with lemonade stands. Which I get! What do
you say to your blind friend who has spent the last fifteen years working in
healthcare when they say, “I’m writing a Romance Novel”? Meghan’s response was “Can I be your copy
editor?” Blinking, I said, “Sure.”
My experience with Meghan reinforced the importance of
not doing this alone. Meghan would review my chapters and provide valuable
feedback. As well, I could bounce ideas against her big old sexy brain as a reader
for my first manuscript Finding Home. This led to me running things by
her for the subsequent next two manuscripts In the Hello and In the Goodbye
and Coming Home. I’m currently tossing ideas at her for Love is Dead,
my work in progress (WIP) which is a Contemporary Romance with a paranormal
hue. Needless to say, Meghan will be a permanent fixture it all the Acknowledgement
Sections of my published books. For you writers that want to borrow Meghan,
find your own Meghan…I’m NOT sharing. 😊
My professional relationship with Meghan pushed me to
search for community with writers. I joined several Facebook groups allowing me
to discuss ideas and ask questions both of published and unpublished writers.
As well, I joined a Read & Critique group for Romance Writers allowing me
to share and discuss both my and their work. I formed a little writer’s support
group with two friends, one who is an AMAZING nonfiction writer and one who is
a WONDERFUL YA writer. That group allows us to share our work, brainstorm ideas,
encourage each other in the cutthroat publishing business, and guide each
other. I’ve also joined several organizations for Romance Writers, participated
in the Southern California Writers Conference, and will be attending a conference
for Romance Writers in the summer.
All of this is enriching my world as a writer. Community
opens up an array of resources, guidance, ideas, encouragement, and support
that wouldn’t be available to me if I typed away alone with just my pugs to
keep me company (all their ideas involve bones and belly rubs, which actually
works in Romance). None of us our alone in this or anything as long as we reach
out. Now, I realize the idea of the woman that writes about love stories
gushing about the importance of relationship isn’t unique, but it’s important.
We are all better together and that includes we writers!
Remember a tea party isn’t a party without at least one
other person to join, so reach out and find your community…whatever it is. If
you want some tips or suggestions on developing your writer’s network or want
to join mine, comment below or DM me on Insta Gram at Melissa_WhitneyAuthor.
Pinkies up!
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