Could Your Writing Career Use Training Wheels?

Most of us can remember riding our first bike. How our fear of falling and skinning our knees was cushioned by big training wheels that supported us, gave us balance, and courage.

As we grew in maturity and got a little experience under our belt, the wheels were removed and the level of speed increased, as did our level of excitement.

With the progression of time, we even learned to ride without holding on to both handlebars. But it took some time and effort.

In a similar way, aspiring and novice writers could benefit from a little “training and support”.
Unfortunately, many seeking to travel the creative path, mistakenly believe that all that is needed is to simply “suit up” and mount, and they will be able to navigate the road to success based upon sheer desire. Though it‘s not entirely impossible to do, these eager beavers will often encounter bumps, bruises, detours, and being “grounded“ literally and figuratively.

There’s a better way. There are many sources of support to today’s scribe to go the distance. Here are a few resources:

1. Mentors or Creative Coaches
Athletes hire coaches and trainers to achieve optimal levels of performance. Some singers do too. These individuals have experience and expertise that can guide students and help identify needed areas of improvement. Objectively.

2. Online Creative Classes
Writing classes are a way for writers of all levels to learn more and ultimately earn more. Teachers are often published authors themselves, who know the ropes and can provide insider’s tips, answer questions, and provide needed information and inspiration.
Check out www.Coffeehouseforwriters.com/ for current listings.

3. Writers’ Groups
No matter what your area of interest, or level of experience, writers groups boast an array of benefits. Whether online or in your local area, many offer job banks, insurance plans, meetings, events, publications, and networking opportunities to enhance your efforts.


According to editor Drew Tewksbury, "No matter where you are in your freelancing career, everyone needs a little help sometimes."

Don't let your ego get in the way of your excellence.

Thoughts?

ImageStock Illustration

No Heavy Lifting Required- 8 almost effortless ways to support writers!

There is great truth to the adage, "There is strength in numbers."
Collective efforts can make a positive difference, whether it's a boycott, a bake sale, or getting behind a worthy cause.

Which is why I'm sometimes baffled by the lack of participation and support in literary circles.

For example, in my area, local bookstores will often sponsor book signing events, poetry readings, and exhibits for folks that are not well known, but have work that merits recognition and exposure. I try to attend as many as my time and resources will allow, even if I've never heard of the poor soul. Why?

Because it opens doors for the rest of us. I also recognize the effort involved.
Contrary to popular opinion, support need not always be about money, nor a great investment of time.

With this in mind, here are 8 ways to support writers and create win-win situations for us all!

1. If you can't attend an event, please pass the word on to friends, associates and family members. I can tell you from personal experience that it really helps to see a few smiling faces in the audience to help make it through the day.

2. When you visit a Blog that you enjoy, post a comment. Think about it. There must be something of value that you get from going to that person's site, or you wouldn't be there. It's a really cool gesture to show appreciation for others' efforts, insights and time. Perhaps in a rush? (I can relate.) Simply add your name to the Blog as a follower. Or promote it through your social media network.

3. Provide a link for other writers you admire on your site. Or highlight other bodacious blogs by doing a listing of your weekly favorites! You benefit by having their fans and followers click in on your site. This helps build new audiences and creates good blog karma.

4. Offer to do a guest post on someone's site. It enables other blog owners to have a day off, and also provides variety at their site.

5. Write a review of other writers' books, classes, or products.

6. Send a motivational Email to someone who's struggling with completing a novel, or dealing with doubt and/or editors' rejections.

7. Barter services to help each other to save money and expand resources.

8. Participate in polls and surveys as they apply to your lifestyle and circumstances.

...BONUS! Send a word of appreciation to someone whose work you admire. Make someone's day.

Sometimes it takes so little to mean so much...

How do you do your part?
Do you agree or disagree? Weigh in.:-)

Imagephanlop88

No Heavy Lifting Required---8 Almost effortless ways to support writers!

There is great truth to the adage, "There is strength in numbers."
Collective efforts can make a positive difference, whether it's a boycott, a bake sale, or getting behind a worthy cause.

Which is why I'm sometimes baffled by the lack of participation and support in literary circles.

For example, in my area, local bookstores will often sponsor book signing events, poetry readings, and exhibits for folks that are not well known, but have work that merits recognition and exposure. I try to attend as many as my time and resources will allow, even if I've never heard of the poor soul. Why?

Because it opens doors for the rest of us. I also recognize the effort involved.
Contrary to popular opinion, support need not always be about money, nor a great investment of time.

With this in mind, here are 8 ways to support writers and create win-win situations for us all!

1. If you can't attend an event, please pass the word on to friends, associates and family members. I can tell you from personal experience that it really helps to see a few smiling faces in the audience to help make it through the day.

2. When you visit a Blog, post a comment. Think about it. There must be something of value that you get from going to that person's site, or you wouldn't be there. Show some appreciation for his/her efforts and time. Don't have time to leave a comment? Then simply add your name to the Blog as a follower.

3. Provide a link for other writers you admire on your site. You benefit by having their fans and followers click in on your site. It helps build new audiences.

4. Offer to do a guest Blog on someone's site.

5. Write a review of other writers' books, classes, or products.

6. Send a motivational Email to someone who's struggling with completing a novel, or dealing with doubt and/or editors' rejections.

7. Barter services to help each other to save money and expand resources.

8. Participate in polls and surveys as they apply to your lifestyle and circumstances.


Sometimes it takes so little to mean so much...

Well, that's my "public service message" for today.



Do you agree or disagree? Weigh in.:-)

EVERYBODY'S GOT AN OPINION

Why not share yours by posting comments to authors' Blogs?

Everybody benefits.

Today's entry, in fact, was inspired by a plea I saw posted on FACEBOOK where a writer has requested that folks read and comment on her BLOG to try to build a following in order to establish a platform and increase her exposure. It's a situation that many of us can relate to.


We know you're out there, reading audience.;-) Weigh in.

To quote a line from a famous song, "Everything I do, I do it for you." ;-)

That's my public service message for today folks.

Enjoy your week and be well!