Thursday 1 May 2014

A Lonely Writer's Life Or Is It?

About a year ago, it hit me. I'd just completed a novel writing course and suddenly I was on my own - no weekly writing tasks, no sharing of ideas with other writers in the group, just me and the computer. I'd started to send off the odd short story and I continued to write my novel but I knew if I was going to make any progress on my writing journey, it was most definitely up to me. It could be quite a lonely life or so I thought.

So, what has changed to make me think I am now part of the writing community? I still shut myself away and write at my computer alone. I don't attend any writing classes at the moment either. Here are some of the ways that I feel supported as a writer:
  • Meeting regularly with writing buddies A group of us who met in the short story course, 'Telling Tales', meets every three weeks. We share our stories and set writing tasks for our next meeting. I also meet with writing friends in Newport.
  • Alfie Dog Fiction Having the first of my stories published on the short story download site was a milestone for me. Not only is Rosemary, the editor, very supportive with constructive advice about the writing submitted but you feel you are part of a world wide community of writers. There is an Alfie Dog forum where you can communicate with other authors on a whole range of topics. 
  • On-line critique group As I mentioned in a previous post, I am fortunate to be a member of an on-line critique group. Last July, on the Alfie Dog forum, I spotted a post from a writer called Patsy Collins who was asking if anyone was interested in an on-line critique group looking at stories aimed at the Womag market. Our web-site started by another member, Susan Jones - of 'Giggle Blog' fame ;-) -  may be found here at Write-critical. Susan also manages Write a Novel, another critique group which is run along similar lines. 
  • Twitter Having a Twitter account (@JanBayLit) and following other writers is something I would definitely recommend. I have learned so much from articles, recommended books, forthcoming programmes or events in tweets by fellow writers. I like to be proactive and am grateful to my growing band of followers for their support. One writer I follow, Sandra, (@tonisands) got in touch to invite me to a lunch time meeting with the local RNA members. Here we are having lunch at the Barocco in Cardiff this week. Thank you everyone for making me so welcome!
  • Writing Blog As you know, I started this in January and like to post regularly on the same day each week. Yes, it takes time and maybe takes time away from writing my stories or novel but I like the fact I am mapping out my journey as a writer. I also benefit from following other writers' blogs. The list alongside is growing ever longer. Often it's reassuring to know those writers experience the same highs and lows that I do and the ones who don't have many 'lows' are my inspiration!
  • Writer page on Face Book Last weekend, I started a new page Jan Baynham Writer. I'd love it if you 'liked' the page after reading some of the posts. Thanks! 
So you see that in the last twelve months, I have enjoyed so much support from real writing friends and the on-line community that perhaps it's not such a lonely journey after all. A big thank you to you all! :-)

I'd love to hear what you think about your life as a writer. Do you always write alone? Do you like to share your work or do you keep everything to yourself until the story or novel is finished?

**LAUNCHED TODAY**

Why not submit a short story for this exciting competition? Click on the link above for full details.
  •  1st Prize: £200 plus publication of your short story collection, from which you'll earn royalties, plus 5 printed copies.


 

8 comments:

  1. The internet is great for keeping us connected to other writers, isn't it? As well as the obviously useful stuff such as market news and feedback, it's reassurung to discover we're not the only ones getting rejects and encouraging to see other people's success.

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    1. Yes, Patsy, it's always good to hear when writers have had stories accepted or a novel taken by a publisher or an agent.

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  2. I love that you can 'reach out' to other writers across the world but at the same time have time to be alone if you wish. It's the best of both worlds. There is so much support, kindness, info sharing that you could spend your entire time on social network sites. It's great that you got to go out and meet the RNA members for lunch, so much nicer to meet in person! That is the only downside I think to the online support network - you may never actually meet those who you regularly chat to. But you never know I suppose - may meet at a book signing! :)

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    1. I think sometimes I'm guilty of spending too much time on line. Meeting at a book-signing? Now, wouldn't that be wonderful? This girl can dream........ ;-)

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  3. Wowee Jan, what an informative post. Full of detail and sounds as if you've got your writing life wrapped up nicely. Thanks for the mention, and write critical as well. Think I should tweet us as well, thanks for the reminder. Thanks too for all your help with my writing...

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    1. Thanks for your support too, Sue. I need to increase my output now - too much procrastinating and not enough hard graft! ;-)

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  4. I don't know how writers managed without the internet, Jan. Life must have been so much more lonely! As you point out there are lots of lovely writers out there in the virtual world and everyone seems willing to help each other.

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    1. Yes, Sally, I think that's what has impressed me the most, especially when writers who are far more experienced take the time to help. :-)

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