Present word count of WIP: 49,832
(Pitiful progress, I know. I’ll try and make up for it while traveling to Utah this weekend.)
In my earlier post about a writer’s responsibilities, I listed #3 as:
We have to support our fellow writers.
What goes around comes around. That’s probably the main reason most of us who struggle to get our writing out there put effort into supporting each other.
The writing community is pretty tightly knit, in and of itself. After all, writers always seem to be on the bottom of the totem pole–whether we’re talking about movies, plays, or books. The biggest Oscars (for Best Picture) or Tonys (Best Play or Musical) go to moneymen–producers–while the creative individual(s) behind the whole story are generally ignored once the picture goes into production. At least, when it comes to awards, the publishing industry has it right. The writers are the ones recognized, not their publishers. However, too many times writers feel like they get little to no respect even in the publishing industry. So, we have to watch out for each other.
That’s why we’ve got groups like PEN American Center, which is only “one of 144 PEN centers in 101 countries that together compose International PEN.” That’s why we’ve got Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. That’s why we’ve got a group for nearly every genre, not to mention all the online groups that help us navigate the complicated waters of getting published.
Then there are other, more specialized groups like American Night Writers Association and LDStorymakers, which are specialized to fit the needs of LDS writers and/or authors.
Yes, one of the ways we can help support each other is by joining one or more of these groups and being involved to the extent that we gain writing friends who will, hopefully, support us as we support them. There is always power in numbers.
Dave Wolverton (aka Dave Farland)
But there’s an even stronger impetus, I feel, for supporting other writers. It’s not about getting anything back for yourself. It’s about helping to grow literacy in this world. Talents always come with responsibility. If we have a gift for the written word, it’s incumbent on us to not only share it, but to spread it among others. I remember being so impressed with Dave Wolverton and the way he freely provides so much help to other writers on their way up the ladder. He doesn’t seem to see them as his competition. I think he sees them more as his legacy.
Let’s help each other freely and build a legacy of literacy.
Hear, hear! Yea, verily, yea.
I sat at the same table as Dave at a LUW workshop. I was so impressed with his kindness and genuine interest in what we writers were working on. He gave advice freely and encouraged all of us. I was thoroughly impressed.
He is amazing, isn’t he? And to know that he continues to hold his own workshops and speak at conferences when he’s dealing with back pain makes it all the more impressive. A truly giving person.
I so agree with you. I call it pay it forward. You help others and lets see where it goes from there. Love to help others no matter who.
Anna del C. Dye
for tales of Elfs & Romance
http://www.annadelc.com
Exactly, Anna. It is paying it forward. Thanks for commenting.
I agree most heartily, Tanya. When you’re a beginning writer, you grab hold of the hands reaching down to help you and lift you up. When you have some experience under your belt, you extend hugs and helps to other writers around you. When you have achieved a measure of success like Dave has, you’re the one reaching down to help a writer up. It’s awesome, all the way around!
And you’re also one of those I could have lauded along with Dave. When I was brand new to the world of LDS writers, you befriended me at the LDStorymakers Conference and made me feel at home and welcome. Then you introduced me to ANWA and told me about Liz (who eventually joined me in forming a terrific writers group). Thanks for all your help and advice!