Today, I went to a wonderful event—Washington Loves
Romance. It was a gathering of writers
and readers at a beautiful bar in the Washington Area. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. It was a great time to visit with friends and
meet new people.
It is important for writers to find outlets to reach out to other writers. You can learn so much from other writers, especially about the business aspect of writing. Hearing about what kinds of things they’ve been through is helpful for both commiserating and for learning about various aspects of publishing.
One thing I notice about any gathering of writers is how supportive they are. For the most part, writers encourage one another rather than tear each other down. Offer advice rather than keeping information to themselves.
Writing can be lonely. It’s hard to soldier on sometimes, showing up at the computer, doing the writing, and making the commitment. If you’re unpublished, you’re working without knowing there will be any payoff. That’s all the more reason to seek out other writers.
There are
all kinds of writer’s groups out there if you’re looking for one to join. Every genre under the sun has a group. Put yourself out there and find a group that
interests you. Volunteer in that
organization and get to know other people.
Find yourself a critique group.
Search the newspaper for writer’s events. Call bookstores and see what events they
offer.
Get involved and find your tribe. You’ll be glad you found others who share your interests. It’s a relief to find others who understand the kinds of joys and lows that writing brings.
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI also had a great time at the get together. And I couldn't agree more with everything you mentioned here. Maybe it's because we spend so much time thinking of matters of the heart, but I believe romance writers are especially generous and helpful with their fellow writers. Absolutely love Washington Romance Writers!
Have a great day!
Delighted that my writing tribe includes you, Ms. McQuay. Or do I say that I'm in your writing tribe? Whichever! They both work!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree - there are so many options out there - but folks need to keep looking until they find one that's supportive. Very important to make sure the tribe you're in hits the right notes!
Carlene - It was great talking to you there. I had a lot of fun there as well. :)
ReplyDeleteKeely - Back at you. :) It's been a trial and error to find my network but once you find one that fits, it's a great feeling.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree, Lisa. Finding your tribe is essentional, no matter what it is you're doing in life. Because when you find your tribe, you feel like you belong, you feel like you have a common purpose, a direction and, a support network.
ReplyDeleteThe WLR event on Sunday was wicked fun! I'm glad we had a good turnout.
Well put, Lisa! As you might know, I get to travel around a good bit and I always love to find writers in each place I make a pit stop. Writers on one coast have sometimes come across different tips than writers on the other coast--and vice versa! But wherever I go, you're right. I oughta and gotta get connected.
ReplyDeleteWell put, Candy! I had a great time there as well. :)
ReplyDeleteNichole - That is great that you've been able to get so many different perspectives and meet so many different people. I love to get different perspectives and talk to people who make me think or consider something I hadn't before.
ReplyDeleteNichole - That is great that you've been able to get so many different perspectives and meet so many different people. I love to get different perspectives and talk to people who make me think or consider something I hadn't before.
ReplyDelete