Wednesday, March 13, 2013

We're All in This Together



     You’ve probably heard the saying "We're all in this together!” and for each of us, different images spring to mind. Undiscovered talent, enthusiastic writers, frazzled artists trying to make our deadlines – we are all in this thing called “writing” together. 

     I still consider myself pretty new to the writing community here in St. Louis, having just seriously starting applying myself in the past year. Despite my rookie status, I find myself in the company of some amazing authors through writing critique groups, Saturday Writers, and SCBWI. Joining these groups, making a concerted effort to build relationships with other writers, has been one of the best things I have done to help with my stamina, outlook, and production. 

     Cultivating relationships with like-minded writers with whom we can share the successes (no matter how small) and rejections can make all the difference in how we feel about the work we do. Collaborating with each other in workshops, at critiques, over dinner, or with an adult-beverage will often provide inspiration or validation of our own artistic efforts. It's not uncommon to find another writer’s spin or variation might be just the answer to the endless writer’s block we’ve been facing. Even the smallest tweak can make a dramatic difference!

      Ultimately, we are connected because we are members of a profession that does not give up. We write because we are compelled to write. As one of the panel members from the Warrior Arts Alliance, Mr. James Moad, said, “The story is a living thing. We are tools for its expression.” Thankfully, I have found a tenacious bunch of tools to hang out with who inspire, motivate, push, and encourage me. We're all in this together!

2 comments:

  1. Karen, St. Louis is a supportive writing community. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am so excited about the live performance which has nothing to do withthe book I am developing. Each woman will read a selection about her experiences and motherhood. Tickets are $15 or two for $25 and half of proceeds benefits a women's self help organization. Please stop by often and feel free to ask me any writing related questions.

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  2. Linda - I thought the readings were linked to the "Not Your Mother's Book." Sorry for my confusion. Thanks for letting me know! - Karen

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