For most writers, the whole process can be pretty isolating. Physically, mentally and geographically. So keeping in contact with like minded people is essential. Networking, sharing the good, bad and ugly moments of your writing life, receiving and giving support and encouragement to others, learning about writing related topics - all this is a valuable part of your growth as a writer.
Being a part of a writing e-list is a great way to do this. Over the last couple of weeks there's been a huge amount of traffic on a couple of the loops I regularly participate in - the ROMAUS, RWNZ and BI50D loops, as well as their pages on Facebook. Most of it has been good news - sales, releases, reviews, The Calls, contests finalists, contest placings, requests, new agents etc.
After reading hundreds of messages, the one quality that stands out is that positive attitudes reinforce the success of the group as a whole. And it's not just a one-off occurrence. It continues to be a perpetuating cycle of encouragement and support, bolstering everyone all of the time.
Reminds me of the old adage - "success breeds success".
Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?
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I agree Kylie, positive vibes have to be good for ya. Writing can be isolating as you say and hearing good news of other writers' contest wins, contracts etc, always reminds me why I lock myself in my office and write like crazy. Dreams are a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteJane Beckenham
www.janebeckenham.com
I think you are the epitomy of a great attitude and an example for us all. The highs and lows of this business are gut-wrenching that only the truly strong survive.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Hi, Jane, great to hear from you. Yes, the good news etc. is a great reminder of why we continue on in the face of the negative things that happens to us in the publishing world.
ReplyDeleteHey, Suzanne, thanks! I really think I need to make myself up a t-shirt or two with writer-ly saying on it and wear them proudly.
Eg. "Perserverence, patience & pig-headedness; all good tools of a writer."
I love the wonderful support of the romance writing community - for good times and the bad. And I'm always sooo happy to see good news (like yours Kylie).
ReplyDeleteHi, Eleni. I can remember Jenny Cruise and Anne Stuart commenting so many times about how supportive and encouraging the RWA/NZ writing communities were when they were over here - a huge compliment and acknowledgement and true testament to our members!
ReplyDeleteI agree - what a wonderful compliment Kylie.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Kylie. Good news always gives me the warm fuzzies. It's so great to share successes with people who know how important they are.
ReplyDelete