Take a second to think about writers you know, like the critique partner who works with you to improve your manuscript. The writing friend who listens, supports and keeps you strong when times are tough. The author who generously offers council, advice and inspiration when asked.
So many people take the time to make us feel special, don't they? They comment on our blogs, re-tweet our posts, chat with us on forums and wish us Happy Birthday on Facebook.
Kindness ROCKS!
To commemorate the release of their book The Emotion Thesaurus, Becca and Angela at The Bookshelf Muse are hosting a TITANIC Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ. And because I think KINDNESS is contagious, I'm participating too!
There have been so many people that have helped me reach my goals. In writing and in life. How do I pick just one? I want to mention several and then I'll tell you the top dog I want to recognize today.
There are so many people who suffered through early versions of Talia’s story and still encouraged me to never give up on my writing dream. Thank you Kathy, Brian, Becky, Mia Hayson, Edith, Elizabeth Arroyo, Elizabeth Arundel, Elizabeth Poole, and Jen McConnel. I also want to thank Aimee Salter and Janice Hardy for their honest critiques and encouraging words afterward. And Michael Offutt for making me laugh when I needed to as well as kicking me back into motion when I needed it.
A special thanks goes to Carol Coffelt for sticking with me through several revisions. It’s been a pleasure swapping stories with you and working together on Unicorn Bell.
Thank you to my dear husband and children for being patient with me and for forgiving me when the imaginary people in my head take over.
For my Random Act of Kindness, I'm highlighting my best friend Laura. She's always willing to listen to me whine and complain. She has made me run when I didn't want to, watch my calories when I wanted to drown in ice cream, and always supported me through every up and down.
Laura, I couldn’t have survived without you. It may not be much, but I'm taking you to lunch at the Melting Pot on the first day of school this fall. Can you wait until August? I want to celebrate our friendship and our new freedom as our youngest start school. Now there will be time for both of us to chase our dreams.
There are so many people who suffered through early versions of Talia’s story and still encouraged me to never give up on my writing dream. Thank you Kathy, Brian, Becky, Mia Hayson, Edith, Elizabeth Arroyo, Elizabeth Arundel, Elizabeth Poole, and Jen McConnel. I also want to thank Aimee Salter and Janice Hardy for their honest critiques and encouraging words afterward. And Michael Offutt for making me laugh when I needed to as well as kicking me back into motion when I needed it.
A special thanks goes to Carol Coffelt for sticking with me through several revisions. It’s been a pleasure swapping stories with you and working together on Unicorn Bell.
Thank you to my dear husband and children for being patient with me and for forgiving me when the imaginary people in my head take over.
For my Random Act of Kindness, I'm highlighting my best friend Laura. She's always willing to listen to me whine and complain. She has made me run when I didn't want to, watch my calories when I wanted to drown in ice cream, and always supported me through every up and down.
Laura, I couldn’t have survived without you. It may not be much, but I'm taking you to lunch at the Melting Pot on the first day of school this fall. Can you wait until August? I want to celebrate our friendship and our new freedom as our youngest start school. Now there will be time for both of us to chase our dreams.
Congrats to Laura!
ReplyDeleteWhat we would do without best friends. Great choice.
ReplyDeleteI'd acknowledge basically everyone that I network with via blogging. They've been so helpful with retweeting, hosting, posting, beta-reading...you said it all Charity. It's an amazing community. Thanks for the shout out by the way.
ReplyDeleteMore so than probably other interest groups, I think that writers all have kind of a shared "mental illness". Non-writers will never understand writers. They can try, but I think there are times in my life and in yours where you can easily point out...yeah this "non-writer" person (no matter how close to you they are) just doesn't get it. That's why we need support from writers. We "get it". We are acutely aware of how important it is to not only finish a book but to post a review online. We know that after a book is published and bound and available for sale that this is not the time for "constructive criticism". We know that it is not useful but more of a slap in the face when (after a year of querying) to not approach a writer and say, "I've heard that what you really need to get published is an agent." We know better than to walk up to an author and say, "Why don't you just write something that everyone wants to read, like Twilight? Why can't you write that?"
Non-writers don't get this. They will drop lines from their lips with the best intentions and make our spines stiffen as we think "uh...not helpful...can you just go away before I get angry?"
So yeah. Support is wonderful to get.
So true! Or, "Why isn't your book out? I thought you finished it a year ago." And the most cringe worthy for me, "You waste so much time on your computer."
DeleteThis writing community is the only thing that keeps me going at time. *hugs*
I don't think I've ever had these kind of things said to me (well, maybe the computer one...). Maybe it's because I'm simply a teenager. I really don't know how I would react to a comment of that nature. I'm thinking it would either be bad for me (I may seriously start crying) or for the person who spoke (as my father says, my voice is so loud when I yell you have to brace yourself, as if it was gunfire).
DeleteYay for friendship!! And I'm glad I could help. =)
ReplyDeleteNicole and Patti, best friends really do keep this world spinning!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Laura! I love the lunch at The Melting Pot idea--what a great way to celebrate with a friend! And thanks, Charity, for spreading the love!
ReplyDeleteBecca @ The Bookshelf Muse
What a wonderful tribute to some amazing people!
ReplyDeleteI love the Melting Pot! Fondue is always a good gift. :)
ReplyDeleteI think Charity deserves all the congrats! You really are the best. Your post made me cry and you know I hate crying! Thanks for being my best friend and knowing that I will need to go to lunch and worry with you while my baby is gone to school! I am so excited for your book I can't wait to read the final print!
ReplyDeleteThanks for always being there for me. Have you figured out that I forgive you for having your baby a week before me even though you were due two weeks later? ;)
DeleteWe can worry and eat, and who knows, maybe you'll get time to write that novel you were telling me about.
This community of writers are some of the finest humans on the planet. But, Charity, you are the best of all of us.
ReplyDeleteI count you as my personal Blessing. Thank you for believing in me.
*blushes*
DeleteI honestly have loved all your stories, and many times I have thought to myself "If Carol thinks I can do it, then I can." And then I keep working.
You have supported and cheered so many of us with your posts and wonderful insights as a critique partner. Thank you!
Best friends chasing their dreams sounds like a fun celebration :)
ReplyDeleteHappy RAOK week!