As a freshman in college, I lived with the coolest girls in Orlando. And Florida. And quite possibly the entire globe. For example, we once wore feather boas to a Mexican restaurant and watched Calender Girls in the same night. All sorts of cool.Last weekend, I got to see these lovely ladies for a beach day reunion. There was lots of sunbathing, ice cream, laughing, a knarly pre-thunderstorm walk, and heaps of old pictures.
At different times, each of the girls asked me about my writing. Now, I usually feel a little self-conscious discussing my story because, well, I'm still working on the same manuscript one year later. My pace already feels slow. When I say it aloud? Even slower.
But these girls didn't mind my snail-esque pace. They wanted to hear all about my writing. They listened, asked questions, cheered me on, and totally reminded me why freshman year was such a blast. One of them even wrote this on my Facebook wall: "I am so proud of you for writing and pursuing that dream. So many people want to but never give it a go. Keep it up!" Um, have I mentioned how much I adore these women?
As a writer, I need lots of encouragement. It sort of bothers me how needy I am in this department. The actual process of writing is such a solitary activity, but I fail miserably if I don't then open it up to others. Whether through critiques or friendly encouragement, I need others with me on this path (hopefully!) toward publication. And if they want to wear feather boas, all the better. :)
What about you? How have you been encouraged lately?
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23 comments:
Great post.
I'm in the needs encouraging section too.
My friends are amazing at asking me about my writing, being beta readers, providing hugs when needed.
My CP = awesome. As are my fellow bloggers. I couldn't do this journey alone. :)
These ladies sound absolutely awesome! Don't feel bad, every writer needs encouragement. You're right, it's a solitary thing and all too often we don't get feedback, which is why we need it so badly!
How great you got to see your wonderful friends and they were so encouraging.
My critique partners encourage me a lot and I am so grateful. I don't know how I would make it through some of these rough times without them.
Lindsay: Totally agree! Especially about the fellow bloggers part. :)
Heather: True story! We can't do it alone.
Cindy: Sounds like you have some fabulous critique partners. :)
How fun! And what great friends!
I think ALL writers are needy. (Or maybe it's just you and me) LOL!
Calendar Girls - awesome film!
And on the lines of offering encouragement, keep plugging away at it. You're young enough to make it happen. I mean if the calendar girls could do it, piece of cake for you ;-)
Sammie! I too am so proud of you for all of your hard work. I think it takes someone special to be able to stay motivated for as long as you have. I am so glad to be your friend. You inspire me to be a better person. I love you, friend.
Jennifer: Glad to know I'm not alone!
Wendy: It IS a great film. One of my faves. :)
RosebudWitt: Thanks, amiga! Love you too!
It's nice that you stayed in touch with these girls after college. It's rare to find good friends. So hang on to these ones.
My friends and family encourage me the most.
Melissa: So true. Great advice!
My crit partners have been very supportive. I don't know what I would do without them!
Hey Samantha. I've awarded you with a versatile blogger award. You can pick it up from my blog. Keep on writing :)
Great post! What great roommates. I feel the same way . . . I hate feeling so needy in the encouragement department when it comes to writing, but luckily there are so many great people out there ready to cheer us on.
Good luck with your writing . . . and I won't tell you how long I worked to finish my latest book. You'd feel better though. ;)
What a great group of women you have around you! My husband is definitely my best supporter. I like that he kicks my butt into gear when I get lazy, although it winds me up at the time!
Lydia: Crit partners are gems. :)
Bec: Ah, thanks for the award! Feeling very versatile now.
Janet: Haha, yes the process feels long! Thanks for the encouragement!
Talli: Sounds like you've got a good man. :)
Good friends can be both anchor and rudder in stormy seas. And struggling to become published in these economic waters is a storm indeed.
All creative persons have doubts. It's part of what makes us artists. And let there be no doubt, to paint a verbal picture is as difficult and rewarding as doing one in oils.
You have wit, intelligence, humor, and good friends. You, dear lady, are rich. Roland
You write well and keep doing it, by the way lovely pics too :)
Roland: True story about the doubts! Thanks for the kind words. :)
Wild Rose: Ah, thank you! It took us several attempts to get all four of us in the frame.
We all need encouragement from time to time. It's human. That same humanity that makes you need encouragement will also help you be a compassionate writer.
Great and if you're on twitter you can follow me there too my ID is @LarvK
Mohamed: Well put. I so agree.
Wild Rose: I'll look for you!
I just dropped in to see if you had another post. Norah Jones is singing "Lonestar" on my computer. I hope your week is as pretty as her voice. Roland
hanks for the kind words.
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