Monday, September 13, 2010

The Bond of Words...

There are those who say this business of writing is a lonely, solitary choice.  I  beg to differ with those misinformed folks.  I've discovered the world of writing to be a delightful place filled with kind, supportive friends.

As a member of Romance Writers of America, two online special interest chapters of RWA, and several writer's loops, I've met people from all over the world and every walk of life.  We all share a common thread: the wondrous bond of words.

When one of our group suffers disappointment or loss, Twitter tweets, Facebook posts and emails fly.  Everyone rushes to console our friend and spread the word for help and support.

When someone conquers an elusive publishing quest and shouts they've won the battle, the collective congratulations and resounding whoo hoo's set the cyber world on fire.

No matter the level of experience or success in the writer's struggle, I've found the brotherhood of words warm and welcoming to all.  Knowledge and tips are openly shared.  If you're stumped, all you need do is ask. 

Like all families, there's an occasional heated discussion.  But everyone strives to treat each other with respect and ruffled feathers are quickly smoothed.  Wouldn't it be nice if we could teach this comraderie to the confused, angry people trapped in the "real" world?

17 comments:

  1. Very well put, I totally agree. Happy writing to you, my friend.

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  2. Thank you, Donna! Happy writing to you too. :-)

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  3. It is a community like no other. I was very surprised to find the same thing. And I don't think very many writers go it alone.

    Congrats on your success. May we walk together!

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  4. What a great post. I was thinking that very thing just the other day, how wonderful it is how supportive we all are for each other. It's just one more thing I love about being a writer. <3

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  5. Authors all rock. They always support each other. Even when they are well known. We have a few famous authors in my local FRW chapter. And they are real...

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  6. Great post and how very true! I always tell everyone that I have never met such a bunch of supportive people. It amazes me how everyone is willing to share their knowledge and how they help their fellow writers. I think you have been there a time or two as well, my friend :)

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  7. Awww...thanks, Victoria, and I can't tell you how much your words of encouragement have meant to me when I've struggled through tough times!

    Sharon, Joanne & Mary: Thanks so much for stopping by and may we ALL experience the joy and success of words that enthrall our readers!

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  8. Great post! I agree 1,000%!! I have met some wonderful people through this process and the critiqing group I am part of has been very supportive. The bond of words has strengthened the relationship with my sister too, who is a fellow writer. She has encouraged me every step of the way and given me the confidence to 'trust my muse' and keep on writing, when I might have given up. I hope someday she'll understand just how much this has meant to me!

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  9. I'm sure your sister understands. It's important to her for you to succeed and know the fulfillment of a satisfied muse and sharing your stories with the world. Sisters are pretty smart like that even though they can be rather wicked at times. ;-)

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  10. I love the writing life. I feel so blessed to have a talent and a commitment to something so large that it almost consumes me, but always in such a good way. I have no idea how the other half lives...those that do not have creativity at their core.

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  11. I have always thought that writers are the best kind of friends to have. If I ever have the chance to make an acceptance speech :) I plan to say thank you to all of those wonder people in the room who pushed me along the way and have been such an inspiration. I know meeting some of the top-published authors has been a thrill for me and that they take the time for an unpubbed and graciously answer questions is only a bigger tribute to our wonderful network. It is fun to have friends around the world who understand...

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  12. This is so true. I've found writers to be the most supportive group of people ever. I feel very fortunate to have made some great friends.

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  13. Great post Maeve - and so true. I'm a newbie to this family and have felt the warmth of open arms from you all - from all the way over here in New Zealand!

    The support and genuine delight for every success is truly awesome. I feel privileged to be a part of it.

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  14. Hi Maeve,
    Waving to you from Australia. Well said. I too have found romance writers to be extremely supportive of each other.

    Regards

    Margaret

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  15. Lovely, almost poetic, Maeve. It warmed my heart this morning just when I needed reminding. Thank you for the positive start to my day. Celia

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  16. I totally agree - I've yet to meet face to face those I consider true friends I've met over the internet.

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  17. All these lovely comments are just a small example of the friendship found in my wonderful writer's world. :-)

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