This is a good thing. Introspection and quietude are great qualities for a writer. However, if we lean to much on those qualities we run the risk of thinking we have to do everything ourselves. And that's just not true, and not productive.
So its basically up to us to do the actual writing. That is the solitary effort part of the writing game. However, basically every other aspect of building a writing career can involve other people. Not just that, but things can go more effectively and productively when we make them a group effort.
We an involve other people with:
Writing groups and book groups (obviously)
Cover design
Editing
Social media
Blogging
Website design
Anthologies
Illustrations
Brainstorming
Marketing
And lots of other things! By involving other people we can simultaneously create better work and also make things easier on ourselves.
So don't be afraid to ask for help! Building a successful writing career truly is a group effort.
What about you guys? What collaborations and group efforts have worked particularly well for you?
Sarah Allen
It's been great for me to join a writing group, I'm normally not a "joiner" but I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone in this instance.
ReplyDeleteLove the pic at the top of this post!
i don't consider myself an introvert, but i do like to observe a situation before i speak up... observing also helps tremendously with writing =)
ReplyDeleteand getting help and encouragement and opinions of other writers is awesome advice!
happy g day!
I have to say it's the solitary nature of writing I find most attractive. Having to rely on other people has proven to be a pain (unless you can find the right people of course).
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Moody Writing
Confessing to be a loner, here. It is the way I have always been...maybe finding a beta reader would be good for me.
ReplyDeleteDunno about writing, but I love that picture. A great bunch of dogs.
ReplyDeleteMy blogger buddies have helped so much when it comes to promotions. And I have a critique partner that I bounced ideas off of and get his input.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine weathering all the ups and downs in the writing world without the solid gold network of fellow writers AND bloggers that have held my hand.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people don't join writing groups because of their fear of judgment/criticism, and I think that's a sad thing. So many authors out there are so, so supportive and if we could just open ourselves up a little more and learn to trust, even a little, our writing can only improve from there.
ReplyDeleteWould never had been able to get my first book out without the input from my critique groups. It takes a village, indeed!
ReplyDeleteI love the picture! Then again, who doesn't love puppies? It's true, writing may be all your idea, but the product isn't all your work. I know this A to Z challenge isn't a complete group effort, but it's fun to get to know new writers to rely on later. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying your A to Z list so far. What fun!
ReplyDeleteI have to echo the sentiments voiced by several commenters about joining a writing group. We meet once a month and it's been a real help to have a "deadline" to submit pages.
You're so right, you just can't do everything alone.
ReplyDeleteI've found a wonderful community in the bloggers I'm getting to know. Most of them are wonderful about lifting each other up.
ReplyDeleteI belong to two writing groups that have helped my writing so much, as well as keeping my enthusiasm high.
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