When I have a conversation with an acquaintance that turns personal, this question usually surfaces – “So what do you like to do for fun?”
At times I think about skirting over the question, with – “I like hockey, or I like to read.” However, I have come to learn the value of writing friends and the bond that
writing builds. I understand that I might get occasional sympathetic nod from the person I am talking with, or a few raised eyebrows and “good luck with that.” Or, maybe, just possibly, a fellow word loving comrade.
Since I started on my novel several years ago I have had the benefit of many writing friends, or friends that are kind enough to read my work and encourage me in my novel. They’ve been with me through many drafts and thankfully I don’t think I have ever been given the look or feeling that I should probably do something more productive with my life.
So where am I going with this long rambling post? Perhaps this is a thank you to all of you who keep asking me, “So how’s it going?” as I stomp through the sludge of my latest draft, and it is. But, also, if you are a new writer or a writer who is struggling to find their way, writing friends are the best and sometimes the only remedy to help you to carry on in your quest to become a published author.
As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.
The same can be said for any writer you meet.
Keep writing friends. Never give up.
Cheers,
Bob
PART-TIME NOVEL 
Hi Bob,
I’m really glad you posted this. It’s something I agree with completely. Writers need other writers around them. I’ve been trying to find a writers group online on wordpress where I can submit work and discuss other peoples work to give feedback. Putting in the search term writers group brings up lots of local groups from around the world which brings me to the next question. Is discussing a story something you can only do face to face?
Look forward to hearing from you.
supernova1987
Supernova,
I know from experience that this is not something that has to be done face to face. My group does it often as we have other obligations and have moved about the state/country. It has become harder and harder to meet face to face so we email. The good thing about meeting face to face is you get the no verbals of communication and are less likely to be offended, but meeting this way is not essential. If you don’t have a group I would find someone you trust, who will not destroy you after the first read (criticism is only helpful after the writer has master the basics of story telling), and have a talk about things they like and did not like and start there. Writer’s need interaction no matter what form.