I am just starting on this journey and feel very solitary. From reading different author blogs, I've noticed that many have critique groups or other writers that they work with. How do you find like-minded writers and get started in such a group?
All I have to say is THANK GOD you found our sorry ass query in the QueryTracker forums over a year ago. XOXO
Kay - I firmly believe that you get what you give within the writing community. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Visit writing forums, share a little bit of your work and provide feedback to others and soon you'll find yourself an unbelievable support group.
I'm glad I have found blogging. Although addicting and a time sucker. It helps to have the support from all the other writers out there (including you Elana and Lisa and Laura). I definately will be emailing my CPs today at some point (probably tomorrow) Kelly, Jen, Crystal and SUmmer. Because they know how to keep me going.
Not only is my journey not solitary, I might be emailing until next Thursday because my list is so long. I feel very grateful for that and I am eager to move along in my story and give everyone something to be excited about.
I have a wonderful husband who encourages me all the time. And I have a writing buddy who listens to all my neurotic ramblings, worries, etc. (thus sparing my husband).
Writing group, blogging friends, husband, my daughter who is just discovering she loves writing, too...I am thankful for all the support I have. You're right--I need to thank them! Thanks for the reminder, Elana :-)
I'm chatting in Tina's Practice Room as we speak with some of the friends that keep me writing on a daily basis! Thanks, Elana for all the support you've given me and so many others!!
Kay--I hope you find friends, feel free to join us in the Practice Room for instant writer comradeship! (is that a word?) Everyone is welcome! http://tinalaurellee2.blogspot.com/ Elana, I hope you don't mind that bit of plugging for T's blog--it's just sooo good. To be able to talk with people about writing in real time on a daily basis...
I think the blogging community is a great way to get connected and get more involved and GET people who give you support. I'm really appreciating everyone on the blogosphere.
And then there's my day to day life, you know the one away from the computer screen. (yeah I forget about it sometimes too.) I can't ever thank my mom or best friend enough for their encouragement. And I have other friends too that are all so much more supportive than I thought they would be. My whole family is behind me. And on days when I feel i should quit? They are invaluable.
I'm so sentimental and sappy that I think my email list of people already know because I told them yesterday...or this morning, or on the phone. So on with my routine, and thank you Elana for sharing your journey I always look forward to your posts and the interview was fab yesterday :D
Oh my gosh, I have a dream writing group. We laugh, we work, we laugh, we drink fancy frozen coffee things, we laugh, we hang out with our kids at the pool in the summer.
These girls are magic.
"I'm worn out," I told them last week. "I'm at a whole new frustration level."
They didn't try to cheer me up. They just nodded and sipped the fancy coffee drinks. "Hang in there," they said.
And I did. And I just got some really amazing news.
My writing friends are my lifeline! I get them, they get me, and I don't even know where I would be in my writing without them. (I'm picturing a withered up plant sitting at my laptop.)
I tell my beta readers every chance I get! Then of course there is the Query Tracker Forum which includes you, Elana of course! And this awesome blogging community! I can't believe I was so terrified to start a blog!
Thanks! You've been a big help since I posted my first query on the QT forum. I never would have made it as far as I have without the help of my amazing crit partners.
I tend to feel very alone in this journey as well, Kay. But I have to admit that it is my own fault. I tend to be a blog lurker. I love to read other people's blogs, but rarely comment for fear my utter goofiness will shine through. Hopefully, I will find my courage and jump into this wonderful community of writers.
So true! Thank YOU Elana for being such a great friend in the writing community to me. And everyone else who is so supportive and friendly. It really does make such a difference. :-)
My wonderful husband whom I thank all the time. I know a few people who I should thank - online friends that even though we haven't meet in person, have become good friends. Would it sound hokey to say you and Susan and Christine and Lisa etc also keep me going. You all are always very supportive. Thanks!
I need to say thanks to my husband who's been there since the beginning (even through the solitary part). And thanks to my writer friends I've met at conferences, and a HUGE thank-you to my crit group. You four are awesome and have helped me improve ten-fold!
True dat. I have to email my best friend who read my ms, told me what sucked, told me to then suck it up and make it better. I'd be a mess on the floor with an empty white zinfindel bottle next to me otherwise.
Also, my husband who is way too honest with me (but I need that sometimes) and my sister who sighs every time I text her (I'm sure) but then virtually pats me on the back and tells me to get back to wokr.
Good one! I love that writers are not as competitive as other disciplines I've been involved in. So many really care about books and authors and The Journey.
Now I'm off to leave my CP a note... among other writing friends... :o)
Today, I bought a journal for a friend who is about to begin her writing journey...She is a Croatian (sp?) immigrant with an amazing sense of humor and great imagination...I'm so excited to be part of her journey. :)
I am just starting on this journey and feel very solitary. From reading different author blogs, I've noticed that many have critique groups or other writers that they work with. How do you find like-minded writers and get started in such a group?
ReplyDeleteAll I have to say is THANK GOD you found our sorry ass query in the QueryTracker forums over a year ago. XOXO
ReplyDeleteKay - I firmly believe that you get what you give within the writing community. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Visit writing forums, share a little bit of your work and provide feedback to others and soon you'll find yourself an unbelievable support group.
I'm glad I have found blogging. Although addicting and a time sucker. It helps to have the support from all the other writers out there (including you Elana and Lisa and Laura). I definately will be emailing my CPs today at some point (probably tomorrow) Kelly, Jen, Crystal and SUmmer. Because they know how to keep me going.
ReplyDeleteNot only is my journey not solitary, I might be emailing until next Thursday because my list is so long. I feel very grateful for that and I am eager to move along in my story and give everyone something to be excited about.
ReplyDeleteMy beta, she's the bestest! I tell her that every day!
ReplyDelete~JD
I'm grateful to my critique partners, SCBWI friends, and all my blogging friends, including you, who inspire me to keep plugging along.
ReplyDeleteI have a wonderful husband who encourages me all the time. And I have a writing buddy who listens to all my neurotic ramblings, worries, etc. (thus sparing my husband).
ReplyDeleteWriting group, blogging friends, husband, my daughter who is just discovering she loves writing, too...I am thankful for all the support I have. You're right--I need to thank them! Thanks for the reminder, Elana :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's the best part about this journey! It's the people I meet along the way. :)
ReplyDeleteYou.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Since I'm currently working on Project Jen I should add this to the list!! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteActually, you - because I have a promo idea for you.
ReplyDeleteLisa and Laura -- I'm grateful everyday that you joined QTF. :)
ReplyDeleteJonathon -- I'll be emailing until next Thursday too!
Candyland - *hugs*
L. Diane -- oooh, I hope you're emailing me!
Everyone -- my journey would be so lifeless without all of you. *cue sappy music*
You are one of those people!
ReplyDeleteI'm chatting in Tina's Practice Room as we speak with some of the friends that keep me writing on a daily basis! Thanks, Elana for all the support you've given me and so many others!!
ReplyDeleteKay--I hope you find friends, feel free to join us in the Practice Room for instant writer comradeship! (is that a word?) Everyone is welcome! http://tinalaurellee2.blogspot.com/
Elana, I hope you don't mind that bit of plugging for T's blog--it's just sooo good. To be able to talk with people about writing in real time on a daily basis...
I love these one liners. :D
ReplyDeleteYeah, I yap with my online writer friends almost 18/7. They're my life line.
These one liners all week have been awesome- great little reminders!
ReplyDeleteYou are top on the list...followed by many others!
ReplyDeleteI think the blogging community is a great way to get connected and get more involved and GET people who give you support. I'm really appreciating everyone on the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteAnd then there's my day to day life, you know the one away from the computer screen. (yeah I forget about it sometimes too.) I can't ever thank my mom or best friend enough for their encouragement. And I have other friends too that are all so much more supportive than I thought they would be. My whole family is behind me. And on days when I feel i should quit? They are invaluable.
Nicely said, Elana.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple people I'll be emailing right after this.
It's so important to stay in touch with friends, both writing and non-writing. But writing can be so lonely if you let it, right?
It's a crazy journey and I'm so blessed to have several people I get to share it with!
I'm so sentimental and sappy that I think my email list of people already know because I told them yesterday...or this morning, or on the phone. So on with my routine, and thank you Elana for sharing your journey I always look forward to your posts and the interview was fab yesterday :D
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely gratitude post!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I have a dream writing group. We laugh, we work, we laugh, we drink fancy frozen coffee things, we laugh, we hang out with our kids at the pool in the summer.
These girls are magic.
"I'm worn out," I told them last week. "I'm at a whole new frustration level."
They didn't try to cheer me up. They just nodded and sipped the fancy coffee drinks. "Hang in there," they said.
And I did. And I just got some really amazing news.
My writing friends are my lifeline! I get them, they get me, and I don't even know where I would be in my writing without them. (I'm picturing a withered up plant sitting at my laptop.)
ReplyDeleteI tell them as often as I can how grateful I am for my support group. And that include you, Elana! THANK YOU!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI tell my beta readers every chance I get! Then of course there is the Query Tracker Forum which includes you, Elana of course! And this awesome blogging community! I can't believe I was so terrified to start a blog!
ReplyDeleteSo important! What a great reminder Elana. I'm off to email some friends. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quote. It's true. I can't imagine getting through this without my writer friends. Thanks, Elana.
ReplyDeleteWell, since you're right here, Elana...
ReplyDeleteThanks! You've been a big help since I posted my first query on the QT forum. I never would have made it as far as I have without the help of my amazing crit partners.
I love this, Elana! And I am going to take your advice - off to email! :-)
ReplyDeleteWith lines like that, no need to ever do a full post :)
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!
I tend to feel very alone in this journey as well, Kay. But I have to admit that it is my own fault. I tend to be a blog lurker. I love to read other people's blogs, but rarely comment for fear my utter goofiness will shine through. Hopefully, I will find my courage and jump into this wonderful community of writers.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Thank YOU Elana for being such a great friend in the writing community to me. And everyone else who is so supportive and friendly. It really does make such a difference. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe book signing takes place in Houston, Texas at an adorable bookshop called The Blue Willow Bookshop!!! I'm so excited!
ReplyDeleteI can think of a few.
ReplyDeleteMy life has totally changed since I started hanging out with other writers. I can't say enough about how they love and respect me.
ReplyDeleteMy wonderful husband whom I thank all the time. I know a few people who I should thank - online friends that even though we haven't meet in person, have become good friends. Would it sound hokey to say you and Susan and Christine and Lisa etc also keep me going. You all are always very supportive. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh! Good idea. I'm off to e-mail someone special right now!
ReplyDeleteI already email you more than I probably should, but dude, you are SUCH a huge help and inspiration. I hope you know that.
ReplyDeleteOff to email a couple others. :)
If I didn't have my family and people like you to connect with, I'd have become a crazy hermit long ago!
ReplyDeleteGood reminder! I started off being the hermit . . . keeping those writerly tendencies to myself, but company is so much better!
ReplyDeleteHmm, yes, I need to do this, thanks:)
ReplyDeleteI need to say thanks to my husband who's been there since the beginning (even through the solitary part). And thanks to my writer friends I've met at conferences, and a HUGE thank-you to my crit group. You four are awesome and have helped me improve ten-fold!
ReplyDeleteTrue dat. I have to email my best friend who read my ms, told me what sucked, told me to then suck it up and make it better. I'd be a mess on the floor with an empty white zinfindel bottle next to me otherwise.
ReplyDeleteAlso, my husband who is way too honest with me (but I need that sometimes) and my sister who sighs every time I text her (I'm sure) but then virtually pats me on the back and tells me to get back to wokr.
Oh, she also tell me to get back to work*. Wokr is something I do without needing her to crack the whips. ;)
ReplyDeleteGood one! I love that writers are not as competitive as other disciplines I've been involved in. So many really care about books and authors and The Journey.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm off to leave my CP a note... among other writing friends... :o)
It takes a village to raise a child and it takes an army to write a novel. ;)
ReplyDeleteBut the price for carry-ons is so 'spensive nowadays! *whine*
ReplyDeletealright, fine! But only because I can't do it without them.
My crit buddies - simply the best :)
ReplyDeleteAw! That's so true! =)
ReplyDeleteAll my "Cubies" in Writers Cubed. LOOOVE them.
ReplyDeleteToday, I bought a journal for a friend who is about to begin her writing journey...She is a Croatian (sp?) immigrant with an amazing sense of humor and great imagination...I'm so excited to be part of her journey. :)
ReplyDeleteI am only a writer here on my blog. It is a bit lonely, but then there is the sociality on the other end.
ReplyDeleteshe's the bestest! I tell her that every day!
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