I am a writer, author, contemporary romance author, whatever title you choose to give me. I create stories that end up as published works. Writing did not start out as my career goal. I came by this profession by accident, not design. I never planned to write, but here I am. Since writing possessed my soul, I've written nine romance novels and hope to write many more.
To any aspiring author I'd like to say cherish your writing friends, your critique members, and the people in your immediate writing circle. They are your support group, advisers, and confidantes. When you get that rejection letter from an agent or editor, they are the people you will call for comfort and encouragement. After you receive the call from an editor who wants to buy your book, they'll celebrate with you and understand your accomplishment more than anyone else. Your writing friends will tell you the truth, whereas your family will not because they don't want to hurt your feelings. There will be times when the comments you receive from your writing friends will be gentle, but honest. Other days their comments may be far too painful to accept. Step away from the work. Give yourself a day or two to think about their suggestions. The wisdom of their remarks will become clear to you. You'll admit they were right and revamp your writing incorporating their comments. In most cases your prose will become clearer, crisper, and stronger.
Cultivating a strong, caring writing environment is essential. Surround yourself with supportive people.
I always welcome feedback, so shoot me an e-mail at karenwhiteowens@yahoo.com. Let me know your thoughts on this topic or others. Take a moment and visit my website, karenwhiteowens.com and read an excerpt from my October release, I Can Make You Love Me.
Remember, don't be a stranger.
In writing friends, I appreciate the truth. I'd only get mad if they held back to protect my feelings, then spoke up after an editor told me my WIP sucked.
ReplyDeleteFor years I've had one friend who was serious about writing and publishing. He was my son's math teacher and we found out almost by accident that we had the writing bug in common. It was a wonderful discovery, and this commonality grew into a friendship strong enough to survive the occasional fight. We battle, sulk, kiss and make up (metaphorically) and continue to be each other's first reader and critique partner. I don't know what I would have done without his support. He messaged me today as soon as he discovered his book in a library. When I get good news on the writing front, he's the first person I tell.
ReplyDeleteBlogging has brought me a wider circle of writing buddies, and I treasure them. They are indeed my support, advisers, and confidantes. Best of all, they understand.
Well said Karen. Writing friends rock, don't they.
ReplyDelete