Gratitude

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

​Writing is a solitary endeavor. Um, well, it is and it isn’t – how’s that for a vague statement.

The initial creation of a story can be solitary, where you’re trapped in your head with your characters. All your time is spent trying to slice them out of your brain and into the computer or writing tablet or whatever you use to write. Between you and the characters, there isn’t always room for anyone else.

But after that, a writer NEEDS people.

Before a story ever reaches publication, a writer needs beta readers, development editors, copy editors, cover designers (if they are self-publishing). Writers also require emotional and mental support as they slog through querying (piles upon piles of rejections) or the adventure of self-publishing (marketing, self-promotion, etc.).

I’m in the querying process for not one, but two novels, and I am eternally grateful for my support group – both in real life and online.

In real life I have family who are willing to take random texts from me. The messages are usually regarding which sounds better, this sentence or that one, as I work on the blurb, pitch, query or synopsis. And they know me well enough I can send those messages without a lot of preamble. I cannot express how much I appreciate that.

Through Twitter I have writer friends and am part of a querying group who are all incredibly supportive. We trade tips, ideas, industry news, and there is always someone willing to give feedback on a query letter or synopsis. It’s fabulous having people who are in a similar place in their journey who understand the highs, lows and challenges the querying process poses.

For years I went without a writer’s group. Joining the #WritingCommunity on Twitter reminded me how wonderful it is to belong to a group of people who share the same, or similar, passion for writing.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for everyone I have, both in real life and online.
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I wish this level of support for everyone, especially in times like these.