Writing Buddies

“More than anything else, the part of us that writes needs support, reassurance, and encouragement.” Julia Cameron

For years I wrote alone. I scribbled thoughts into secret journals; I typed poetry when no one else was home. I kept my work hidden, my writing life a secret. It was like an affair that I tried to hide. I denied that I was a writer, how could I be? My writing wasn’t any good, my thoughts too embarrassing to expose to other people. When I finally started writing a full length novel I hid in the basement, typing on my laptop.

It is difficult to write alone. It can be lonely and tiring, especially when the negative thoughts creep up. “This isn’t any good.” “This is taking too long.” “Stop kidding yourself.”

Sometimes the best thing for a writer’s soul is a friend.

Someone that encourages you, that gives you support, someone to share the ups and downs of writer-dom, the laughter and the tears. That is all it takes is for just one person to believe in you, to be there for you, to keep you going. I am very blessed to have found writing friends. Without their support and encouragement I don’t think I would have gotten as far.

How do you find a writing friend? Tell your friends that you that are writing, you will be amazed at how much support they will give. Reach out to other writers. Look for a critique partner, someone in the same boat and genre as you. Find blogs for writers; and make one of your own. Participate in blog events. Join the community of writers. Yeah, not everyone is going to be tea cakes and roses. But there are kindred souls out there.

I hope you will be blessed with good writing friends. May you encourage and inspire others to write, and may you also be a good friend to yourself. Trust in your words!