I am always amazed at the generosity of authors and writers in their support of each other. They celebrate each others' successes, commiserate when stories are rejected and encourage other writers to keep going, especially when times get tough. You only have to read comments on Twitter and on Facebook Writer pages to see evidence of this. I still consider myself to be a beginner writer aspiring to have my writing published and so far my achievements have been very modest. However, the support I've received from writing buddies, an on-line critique group, my followers on social media as well as in the writing groups I attend locally has been immense. Although the life of a writer can sometimes be a lonely one, it is made all the more comfortable knowing that fellow writers are out there supporting you.
One writer I 'met' on line was Susanna Bavin from Llandudno in North Wales. I first met her as a buddy when I did NaNoWriMo for the first time in November, 2014. It was clear from the outset that she was very supportive, encouraging me to keep writing each day in order to achieve my goal of 50,000 words by the end of the month. Knowing there would be an encouraging comment from Sue at the end of each day in my In-box spurred me onto the finishing line.Since then, she has regularly commented on my blog posts and takes the time to publicise them through retweets and favouriting.
I am a follower of her excellent blog where the topics are wide ranging and thought-provoking. As writers we always receive a 'thank you' from her in the form of a lovely photo of a rose if we leave a comment or tweet about it.
This week I am thrilled to be a guest on Susanna's Blog answering questions about my writing journey so far. This is a first of me and is further evidence of how supportive she is. So, in true Susanna Bavin style, here's a rose for you, Sue, to say thank you for inviting me:
Do you have someone you've met on-line who's encouraged you on your writing journey? What support have you had from other writers?
Thank you for reading.
You may also follow me on Twitter @JanBayLit and on my Jan Baynham Writer Facebook page.
You're right that writers are very supportive and helpful of each other - thankyou for being one of my online writing buddies!
ReplyDeleteThe internet has made that easier I think. People who'd never have known each other existed, and may never meet, can help each other, share something which is important to them ad become friends.
I should imagine that writing support before the internet was limited to local writing groups. Thank you for your encouragement on-line, Patsy. Who knows? We may meet up one day if you bring the camper-van down this way. I hope so.
DeleteI'm still planning to, Jan.
DeleteI agree. It's so generous the way writers encourage and coax each other (at least in our little online community). We share tips and suggestions for competitions and possible publishing opportunities, even though we are in effect competing against each other. It's very similar in the yoga world, too, where I also have a foot. Teachers will recommend each other and share details of other people's classes and workshops.
ReplyDeleteYes, Julia, that's what I admire about the writers I'm in contact with, too. Good to hear how it compares with the Yoga world. Thanks so much for popping by to leave a comment.
DeleteTotally agree. The internet has made things so much easier. I tried a couple of writers groups in my area but never found the right fit. Have now found a group of online friends who all write for women's magazines / women's fiction, and without their constructive criticism and support I don't think I would even have achieved the few publications I have. Its so lovely to get support on blogs from successful writers who take time to encourage you too. Lets, face it, with publication success being such a competitive business, we need all the encouragement we can get!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I agree with your last sentence! I think that's why I value the support of other writers so much. I'm glad you've found an on-line group of friends who provide constructive criticism and support for your writing. Thank you for commenting.
DeleteMy writing buddy is Tracy Fells - we eat a lot if teacakes and tell each other off!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your teacake meetings with Tracy, Wendy. It's obviously paying off for both of you! In the current 'Writing Magazine' where you feature in Lynne Hackles's column, 'Novel Ideas', I read that you set targets for each other and that motivates you both into achieving the goals.Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWhat a lovely blog, Jan - thank you so much for your kind words about me. You're right, of course - writers are enormously supportive of one another and social media has given us access to support and friendship as never before. When I joined Twitter, I never imagined what a positive experience it was going to be. NaNoWriMo has been another happy place for me. I have met two writers there who have subsequently become good friends, one of them being yourself, of course! And many thanks for the beautiful rose xx
ReplyDeleteAll thoughts are sincerely meant, Sue. I have also learned a lot about writing on Twitter by following links to other blogs and websites which have been recommended by other writers. Thank you for your comments.
DeleteA lovely post, Jan. It's always lovely to hear how supportive writers are to each other. I've yet to experience a profession that offers such support and motivation. I'm considering joining in NaNoWriMo this year if I can get myself organised.
ReplyDeleteYes, Nicola, I've found everyone to be so helpful. I would definitely recommend having a go at NaNoWriMo. Someone told me last year it's worth doing at least once! The hardest thing for me was to just to keep writing without going back to edit and improve it as I went along. If I do it again - and I know I will - I think I'll spend as much time before hand as I can planning the story and doing some research maybe so that I'll know exactly where to start and roughly where I want to get to. We all work differently, though, don't we? Thanks for commenting.
DeleteYep, I've got a great writing buddy who I met online, and then discovered we live in the same county. He later joined my writing group, and we have supported each other regularly with critique and discussing any worries or problems we are having with our novels.
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear about your buddy Jan, I'm off to her blog now to read your guest post.
Great to learn that you have a supportive writing buddy, too, Maria. It must be a bonus that you are able to meet regularly in person and talk through your novels. I appreciate you popping by to leave a comment. :-)
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