K is for Kinship. We writers feel a sense of kinship
when we meet other writers. It’s like we are meeting another kindred spirit or
meeting the other half of our souls. We all undergo the same emotions day in
and day out. Our journeys, hopes and aspirations are similar. We can discuss
books with them without putting them to sleep.
This sense of kinship that we share with other
writers makes us eager to help them in any small way we can: by giving them
shoutouts on our blogs, by critiquing their query letters, first few pages,
and entire manuscripts, by sharing tips and advice with them, by helping them
promote their books.
Their success becomes our own and so does their
failure. I feel very bad when my critique partners talk about the rejections they
have met with. Their rejections hurt as much as my own rejections hurt me.
Don't we all look forward to helping our writing pals? Do you nurse a bruised heart when a critique partner’s book is rejected?
Note: this is my post for the A to Z
Challenge. My theme is Emotions and Feelings writers experience.
I like helping other writers so I check out their books and share them.
ReplyDeleteI am always so glad when things go well for my writing buddies, and while I wouldn't say my ego is bruised when things go badly for them, I certainly feel their disappointment keenly. And sometimes I'm quite perplexed when I see something they've written that is so good and yet doesn't get picked up. It really is such an up and down journey we all take together.
ReplyDeleteI feel a definite kinship with other family historians. I get caught up in the stories about their families as if they're my own. When they have stumbled into a brick wall with their research, I find myself trying to solve the problem too. I get excited when they find a new bit of information. Several of us plan to meet face to face for the first time at an upcoming genealogy convention. Can't wait. KINSHIP -- yes, perfect word today!
ReplyDeleteWendy at Jollett Etc.
I like this. I am new to the writing world, but have already met some great people and read some interesting manuscripts.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any writing support in real life, so I so greatly, greatly appreciate the people I meet online--those I can share my craft with, and allow to share theirs.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and I do feel a kinship to almost all writers I meet. I've found not all writers are as friendly in person as they are online though. Still, I love writers and I love helping them in any way I can--especially new writers just getting started.
ReplyDeleteThe support, help, and encouragement are what makes this writing community unique and awesome.
ReplyDeleteMy writing friends are the best! So glad to be able to share this journey with them. Thanks for being one of those faithful friends! :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's important for writers to connect with other writers. That sense of kinship keeps us going. Blogging is a great way to find other writers.
ReplyDeleteI had a pretty harsh critique from a beta reader, but I figured it out. I ignored it. No, not really. I took what I could use and ignored the rest. Leaving my fragile emotions out of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying your theme and your posts. Yes, the kinship among writers means a lot to me. I don't know how I'd survive without it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know where I'd be without my writing buddies/critique group, probably unpublished;-) I love sharing what has helped me.
ReplyDeleteThe writers which I have met on line have been really supportive. I particularly appreciate those who take the time to offer critique and suggestions, which takes time and involves a certain level of trust and respect.
ReplyDeleteYes, it bothers me when a writer friend gets a rejection. And I love to promote their successes. A community of writers, small or large, is a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. Nobody understands a writer like another writer!
ReplyDeleteI write fiction and work as a freelance writer, so I find that it's very isolating. You feel like nobody understands your struggles. Just spending a few minutes with a person who is dealing with the many unknowns of being a newly published author OR handling freelance writing clients is like a lifeline to me! I feel like I'm someone walking through the desert, searching for any small droplets of water (writing wisdom!) I can find at this point!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from the A to Z Challenge signup page. Great to meet you!
Stephanie Faris, author
30 Days of No Gossip
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
I don't know what I'd do without all my fellow bloggers. Their support and encouragement are so important to me. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog the other day!
Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
Minion, Capt. Alex's Ninja Minion Army
The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge
Yay for writerly pals! I totally wince when my friends receive a smack, but mostly, I party like a maniac and offer cheese when it's time to celebrate, or when tissues are broken out. Everyone needs some sunshine, eh?
ReplyDeleteI have to say, Rachna, that I'm normally quite shy, but I feel so myself within the author crowd. And sharing successes and failures and supporting each other is the greatest thing about this community. Writer’s Mark
ReplyDeleteOh sure, I feel a blogger friend's pain when they report a rejection. I think kinship is strong on the Web--time zones and geographic boundaries certainly are blurred.
ReplyDeleteI want to say a big cheers to our fellow writers! We go through their journeys as part of our own lives and they do the same for us. One language (not literally), one experience. We all know and understand it. Lovely post ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is a real kinship among bloggers! I realized it right away when I participated in my first A to Z in 2011!
ReplyDeleteJulie
They help me and I help them. I feel their pain and happiness. The bond of kinship is strong.
ReplyDeleteI don't know of any other group that have the special kinship shared by writers. The bond is unique. Definitely.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with so many of the previous comments! Writers share a special bond. In my experience, there is not competition, but only an eagerness to help each piece be the best it can be. Great writing is the only reward we need to help others with their work, and for them to help us!
ReplyDeleteNew follower! :)
Michelle @ In Media Res