Learning from Writers
On Saturday I went to an American Christian Fiction Writers meeting in Orlando. There was just a few of us and it was wonderful. By the time it ended, I thought my brain would explode from all the awesome information.
The funny thing is, I learned from both pubbed writers and unpubbed writers. I think there is a generosity in the writing world that's not seen in other businesses (there's also some craziness, but that's another post).
I'm planning on sharing some of the goodies I picked up in some later posts.
What do you think is the most important thing you've learned from a fellow writer? Have you experienced the generosity of a published writer before?
The funny thing is, I learned from both pubbed writers and unpubbed writers. I think there is a generosity in the writing world that's not seen in other businesses (there's also some craziness, but that's another post).
I'm planning on sharing some of the goodies I picked up in some later posts.
What do you think is the most important thing you've learned from a fellow writer? Have you experienced the generosity of a published writer before?
Comments
:-)
I'm hoping at ACFW we bloggers will be able to band together and have our own little meeting *crossing fingers with a big smile on my face*
Best writing advice: glue butt in chair and write. And yes, many pubbed authors and poets have shared with me. (Harvey Stanbrough is a great example of that, Cherry Adair, Natalie Collins, Deb LeBlanc, Kathryn Magendie, Kimmi Richardson...Oh the list is long!)
Another author whose generosity seems to know no bounds is Holly Lisle - I've not read any of her work, but her website has incredible heaps of free info/advice/workshops for writers, and she consistently answers questions on her blog from struggling unpubbies!
Best advice so far was from Mags Storey: "You're writing, and not blaming the industry for getting you down. You're doing it right, so just keep doing it!" and "Even if you think your writing is crap, who cares? You wrote it, and that's what matters." [quoting from memory, so may not be *exact*] :)
That may be true. Also, awesome about Alexander. The same thing happened to me; a multipubbed author saw my status about my query, offered to read it, gave me advice, then when I said thank you and mentioned I'd read her debut novel, she sent me her newest, signed.
I didn't even know I was on your blogroll. Thanks for your kind words. :-)
It feels that way to me too. I was thinking about it, and where else do the successful share their secrets with the competition? Does that make sense? Yet authors and experienced long-time writers consistently share the things they've done to make their writing and sales better.
I haven't heard of that author but now I'll be checking out her site. Thanks for sharing that!
I think one of the most helpful things about networking with writers is the tidbits about the industry. You're right. Different writers have different submission stories and info, which is really, really helpful to those who are heading in the same direction.
Absolutely! And a sincerity, too. It's been on my mind lately, and I'm so honored to hob-nob with such great people.
Can't wait to see what you learned!
I've had both published and unpublished writers answer questions, do interviews, and encourage me to keep writing. When I thank them, they usually say, "give another writer a hand."
Thank you, Jess, and all my blogging buddies for your hard work and caring hearts.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Another wonderful blessing: my mentor, who is the epitome of generous and is published. :)
That should be our mantra. Sometimes it's tempting to give up, but there's the saying that nothing worth it is easy. Look at childbirth. *shuddering as I remember pain, pain, pain* LOL
Thank you. You were one of the first people to comment faithfully on my blog and I can't tell you how much that blessed and touched me. :-)
Oooh, a mentor. That does sound nice. LOL!
Thanks for commenting. Sometimes I think writers, and maybe others in the arts, need extra perseverance since the arts by definition are subjective. They can't necessarily be measured in a concrete way like other professions.
Ok--now I need someone- some wonderful writer to read my query? Hint? Hint? Lol
Glad you had a nice meeting - can't wait to hear more about it!
The most important thing I've learned from a pubbed author is write to please your
Audience of ONE, that is God, and He will honor you whether you publish traditionally or otherwise. He will make sure your words get into the right hands.
The interesting thing is, since I've taken this attitude, more opportunities have arisen for me than ever.
Jen, Audience of ONE
Yes, it was a wonderfully exhausting day. LOL
I love mine too! :-) Telling trade secrets, that's a great point!
That's so sweet. :-)
One author took some of us under her wing and even helped us form a crit group and was available for lunch etc. Several other published writers from the area have been just as helpful. One I had just met introduced me to an editor and told him how great I was.
It's really neat that everyone wants to help and doesn't feel the need to tear each other down to get ahead.
What a great story! Thank you for sharing.
The interesting thing about publishing is that tearing others down will only get so far. It's a small world and eventually people will catch on.