Pen & Prosper Celebrates National Friendship Month

 

Friends are worth celebrating...

 

Did you know that there is actually a recognized "holiday" for celebrating friendship?

I recently stumbled across this information and couldn't wait to share it here!
You can learn more at Friendshipday.org:

http://www.friendshipday.org/when-is-friendship-day.html

Who's bringing the ice cream for the celebration? :-)

Friendship is crucial to an enhanced quality of life. Good ones are sacred.
And when it comes to our "writer" friends? They keep us motivated. They serve as our cheerleaders.
They understand our creative trials and tribulations. We laugh together. We cry together. We share ideas and leads. We persevere and pray together.

As such, today's post addresses the 5 Friends

Every Writer Should Have

 

 

As solitary professionals, writers don't often have the luxury of cultivating (and maintaining) workplace friendships like those in the corporate arena.

Other than the mailman and the folks we meet and greet at the local coffee shop, we're on our own. True?

There are no "water cooler" conversations, juicy office gossip, or gripes with a bad boss that binds us. Of course, we do have social media that allows us to connect and share "Tweets" with our "peeps"; but it's not quite the same.

You, "my friend," need to have friends beyond the virtual world. You need to have a support system of solid people of whom you can rely. And no, your pet Fido doesn't count. :-)

Here are five folks I believe every serious writer should add to their V.I.P. list, for a more enriching experience and more successful career.
See if you agree.

1. THE TECH GUY
Of all my professional challenges, I am most stumped by technology. Hacks, attacks, and things that go whack! Oh my! Lucky for me that I was blessed to meet a guy some years ago that has provided some serious on-site assistance-- with software installation, virus attacks, and general maintenance. He's a true life saver. Which brings to mind, a while back ago, when my laptop went out on me in the middle of a very important (and lucrative) client's project and he provided a "loaner" at the last minute. Thanks, Emmanuel!

2. THE LOCAL LIBRARIAN
My friend Deb is bright, helpful and resourceful. If I need reliable statistics for a proposal I'm pitching, she'll either provide the research, or steer me in the right direction. She recommends good reads, and is always well informed about things going on in the literary community.

3. THE CONSUMMATE "CHEERLEADER"
You've gotten a rejection letter from an editor that really cut you to the core. Or you're working hard, but seem to be going nowhere. Or a client pink-slips you. Who do you call? No, not ghost busters! For me, it's typically my friend, "Red". As a creative artist too, she sometimes knows my pain and understands my struggles. She reminds me of all I've accomplished. She also has a good sense of humor, which allows me to "lighten up" when needed.

4. THE "DO I LOOK FAT IN THESE JEANS?" FRIEND
When you can't really be objective about your work and need someone to provide a reality check, this individual helps you keep your head on straight, and keep your wits about you. Accepting the "honors" for this award is my mom.

5. THE CREDENTIALED EXPERT
Every writer knows that a good quote provides extra "oomph" and greater credibility to feature pieces and interviews. The problem? Many times credentialed go-to gurus are busy with their own projects, or you may feel intimidated to reach out to them. I'm so fortunate to have noted authors like Noelle Sterne, Wendy Burt and William July, (and more folks than I can mention here) to go to. I greatly appreciate their time, wisdom and expertise.

 

In closing, I'd like to thank each of you for your virtual "friendship" and ongoing support here at Pen & Prosper. Without you, it wouldn't be worth it. :-)

 

 

COMMENT CONTEST

 

Let's add some fun and interest to things here.  Leave a comment on friendship or this post in general. Two random winners will be selected to receive 2 FREE EBOOKS from my popular series

"Bank on Success!" 

 

https://payhip.com/BankableWriting

 

 

THIS JUST IN: Congratulations to the winners of our comment contest!

Linda O. and Marcie H.

(I'll be sending your books out next week).

 

Thanks to everyone that participated.

 

 

 

Image credits: Pixabay.com