Something amazing happens every time another writer—newbie or old pro—asks another writer for advice, tips, or simply to be a sounding board.
Both parties wind up learning something new.
Last weekend, Mika Doyle arranged an informal meeting for us with a former co-worker of hers who wants to break into freelance writing, Jes Richards. We all walked away from our lengthy discussion with new perspectives on how we can expand our markets and use our very diverse interests to create micro niches that might open up new writing opportunities.
Jes may be the writer who was seeking freelancing advice, but I probably wound up taking as many notes as she did.
Mika and I had already decided to be “accountability buddies”—declaring our writing goals and keeping each other apprised of what actions we’re taking to achieve those goals—and invited Jes to join us. I’d also recently invited another writer friend of mine, Lorna Collier, to be part of our group. Lorna and I share many of the same frustrations (and joys) as other full-time freelancers, and have long swapped market information and discussed potential opportunities, so I felt she could benefit from the group as much as I hope to.
Our expanded accountability group is barely a week old, but it’s already paying off. Lorna was able to connect Mika with a wonderful, well-renowned poet who seems willing to offer Mika advice on getting her work into respected literary journals.
[ctt template=”3″ link=”xYcCy” via=”yes” ]Something amazing happens every time another writer—newbie or old pro—asks another writer for advice, tips, or simply to be a sounding board. Both parties wind up learning something new.[/ctt]
No doubt that poet will be inspired by Mika or gain fresh insights from whatever discussions they will eventually have.
It’s astounding, but not surprising, when writers of all disciplines help one another grow creatively and professionally. It makes me proud to call myself a writer.
Love it, Paula… thanks for the reminder.
Thanks, Anne. I hope you know I mentioned your forum to Mika and Jes, too!
It makes me proud when this happens in my orbit, too. You’re a shining example of that, Paula. You pushed me to make Writers Worth Day a week, then a month. And you helped me make it happen.
Every writer I’m friends with has been an example of how we help each other grow creatively, you especially. 🙂
Don’t make me blush, Lori! You’ve built a great community of writers at Words on the Page by making us all feel welcomed, respected, and valued.