Day #3 – I’m grateful for…OTHER WRITERS
I was TERRIFIED when I first started this blog. What did I have to say to other aspiring writers that they didn’t already know? I made a decision then that this blog was simply going to be an outlet for me and my writing - nothing else.
But then a funny thing happened. I started networking, participating in AgentQuery Connect (which also terrified me at first), and reaching out to other authors for advice.
What I found was an amazing, supportive community who was honestly interested in teaching newbies like me about the wild world of publishing. In the last year alone, I feel like I’ve earned a four-year college degree in what it takes to get published. And my professors? All the other authors who’ve taken time to teach me about what makes a good pitch and how to stay away from things like the dreaded passive voice.
Online friends have taught me how to hone my query. Some authors who live in far-flung places, have offered to read and critique my short stories. Other authors simply said “Yes” when I asked them to participate in my Writer Odyssey Wednesday series (Thanks R.C. Lewis and Mindy McGinnis for being my willing guinea pigs!) And when I struggled with revisions, I called on others for solid advice (Thanks MarcyKate Connolly and Katie French!)
At the beginning of next month, I will post my 100th blog entry. I can’t believe it’s 100! This year has flown by and so has the time I’ve spent creating this blog – and I’ve LOVED every single moment.
So to all those aspiring writers out there like me, I encourage you to reach out to the writing community if you have a question. Join a forum like AQC and get help. Go to conferences and ask other authors questions. I guarantee, you will be immersed in a world where other writers want to help you make your work the best it can be!
What about you? What are you thankful for this holiday season? Leave me a comment and let me know. And if you’ve had another author help guide you in your writing, give them a “shout out” in the comments. I’d love to hear about it!
I wrote a similar blog this morning about being grateful for those who have inspired me who I’ve never met in person!
What a wonderful thing social media can be!
Thanks for your comment! I have so many people who I’ve met online that have been such great mentors. But I’m the same as you – I’d love to meet them all one day!
It amazing the support that is out there. All a writer has to do is put themselves out there, reach out, participate in writing events, and learn from the experience. When I came out of my cave, I was amazed at the writers on Querytracker and Agent Query received me. My motto is “give back”.
Brenda:
You give back in so many ways! Especially with the upcoming PitchWars! What a great way to help so many aspiring writers!
I am SO thankful for all the people I’ve met in the writing community and AQConnect as well. When I first joined that forum I was extremely terrified as well. I’m not new to the internet. I’ve been flamed and harassed a ton of times. I even was a member of another writer’s forum for awhile where people were less than mature. So I expected people to be petty and mean to each other in the writing community and on AQC.
After awhile, I let my guard down and started to relax and make friends. It has been a wonderful experience and all of you are part of my every day life. I’m very appreciative of all of you as well.
Hi eb,
I wholeheartedly agree! The writing community is AMAZING, especially the folks like you at AQC.