Writing Is Hard!
Don’t ever let anyone fool you into thinking that writing a book is easy. Sadly, this is a common misconception among the general public and perhaps many readers (not our readers of course *smile*).
The other day I was working on a scene in my book and came across something I was unsure of. I didn’t know how the heroine would address her dead husband’s family members. It is a historical, which means most often people were addressed formally no matter what. But the scene I was writing was a reflective scene on the recent accounts of her life. She wouldn’t address them as casual as to use their given names but not as formal as to use their title either.
So what do I do…
I sent off an email to my fabulous RWA Chapter, The Beau Monde. I swear the collective members of this chapter are nothing short of amazing! Within minutes I had my answer. Truly thankful of this group, I’m not certain I would would be brave enough to write.
Sure I wrote for a long time before I joined the RWA or The Beau Monde chapter, but if I’m true with myself and all of you, then I must admit that my writing has improved because of the people I’m in touch with. Which puts me back to my starting point: Writing is indeed HARD! And something that shouldn’t be anyone enters without a person or group to help support them.
So I ask you now, who is your support system? Who do you call upon if you get stuck? Do you have a critique group or a chapter? Are you brave enough to go it alone, not requiring any help from others?
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Posted in The Inclined
May 3rd, 2008 at 11:16 am
Simple: Divas. As of right now it’s my only support group and I can’t say I’m lacking because of it.
I’m not a member of any chapters, nor do I have a critique partner/group, but as long as I’ve got my Divas, I’m good.
Am I brave enough to go at it alone? Mostly. But I still require help, so I’d rather not test that theory, if you don’t mind!
May 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 am
I’m a believer that the strongest person is the one that asks for help. So, my support systems are the Romance Divas, The Cherries, and the Eharelquin Subcare. I might have been fine without them. The road to publishing would have been longer, much more lonely, and half as exciting.
Would I ever go at it alone? Only if these relationships turn toxic, which I doubt will happen because these people are fantab.
May 3rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I count on my Vauxhall Vixens to cheer me up, help me with research, critique stuff, send me agents to query, etc. Those three are my closest support system, although I’ve been lucky to find a wider group of writers on the web, too. It’s great to be able to share the ups and downs with people who understand.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I’m a bit of a loner when it comes to my writing and tend to soldier on alone. I do have a couple of writing friends I can email or phone though, when I really need a kick in the behind. My husband is also great. He really listens and has soaked up a lot of writing knowledge over the years.