You betcha! At least for me it does.
But—I don’t mean just mean the characters who exist inside my head and pop into my thoughts telling me their names and deepest secrets.
I don’t mean only mean my thoughtful beta readers who read a finished manuscript and ask questions and offer the constructive criticism I have asked for.
I don’t mean simply mean my insightful agent or smart editor who seem to know just the right buttons to push to help me arrive at decisions about a story on my own, or nudge my skill to the next level (and yes, that’s their job, but still… ).
I do mean the village of writers that I intentionally and, even sometimes accidentally, reside within. Or, as my Southern writer pals would say, y’all.
While none of you are bringing me coffee so I don’t have to get up and can keep on writing (but, come to think of it, if anyone wants to…) the emotional construct of writing for me, relies upon knowing that when I step outside my writing cave, that you will be there. That makes the solitude I require for typing words onto a screen, quite manageable. I’m a leave-me-alone-shut-off-the-music-shut-up-don’t-talk-to-me kind of writer. I’m not in a coffee shop or a library. I don’t listen to music. I’m alone in a room, on the chaise, gifted to me by my agent. This is where I write.
Nowhere was the effect of a village made more evident to me than Saturday at the Writing Workshop of Chicago 2016 (#WWOC16), where I met dozens of aspiring authors. (These workshops are held all over the country, so check a city near you!) I conducted sixteen in-person, ten-page manuscript critiques, as well as two one-hour workshops. I spent the day talking about—and listening to others talk about—writing and being a writer. When I walked out of the hotel and headed to the train, nearing the end of my twelve-hour day, my most prevalent thought, aside from IT IS WAY TOO COLD IN CHICAGO TODAY was, that all day long I was right were I was supposed to be doing what I was supposed to be doing with the people who I was supposed to be with.
I spent the day in my real-life village.
What a gift.
And that, made me want to come home and write a book.
Amy xo
Yes to all of this! Yesterday’s conference was the first one I’ve ever attended, and I didn’t quite know what to expect going in. Truthfully, I was nervous that as an as-yet-unpublished writer I’d be “found out” and not fit in. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Through a manuscript critique (p.s. It was such a privelage to meet with Lori Radar-Day), two pitches (both agents were unbelievably nice), and four sessions I found a community. Sure they may not live in my daily life, but they are there. And that inspired me like nothing has in a while. Thank you for your encouraging words yesterday! Now, I’m off! I’ve got writing to do!
I’m so glad it was a positive experience for you! 🙂
Great post, thanks! I attended my first conference a few months ago and had a similar experience. Between that and my online community at WFWA, I feel that I’ve found my peeps.
I’m right there with ya, Lisa! <3
Wait! Agents provide furniture? Nobody told me about this perk. I must query more agents.
Discovering the WFWA village has brought new life to my writing world. I feel I’ve only wandered around the edges so far, but I’m so grateful to be a part. I look forward to exploring more.
I agree, Kathy. WFWA is a great group! And of course, I love the community that this blog has given us all as well!
(And I know, the chair is fabulous, isn’t it? Maybe add — wants chair — to your query!)
😀
Yes, Amy, this blog feels like a cyber-coffee shop where writing friends can meet. Thanks for hosting us!
Going to be in Chicago, my hometown, in three weeks. Wish our trip had coincided. Nancy Johnson is awesome. We connected at the WFWA retreat. And Amy, you know how it is when you discover someone is from Chicago and you are delighted and then you ask “where in Chicago” and they say FLOSSMOOR. Wow. Amazing. Beth
If you will be in Flossmoor please let me know! I’d love to meet you, Beth! 🙂
That would be great. I’ll get in touch. Beth
I know exactly what you mean.
Many things inspire me to write. One of them is being around other writers. Last month, I meet with my writing group. I came home super charged and wrote and wrote and wrote–completed one short story and revised another. This Friday I will attend another meeting. Who knows what will happen?
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, Leanne! 🙂
I love how being around other writers is like getting a reboot. I always come away from the contact with new energy and new ideas.
Also loved the photo of your chaise. Would you believe I have a chaise (color looks almost the same as yours) and that is where I write, with my 4 legged writing assistant, Max (my cat), sleeping across the top? Obviously, manufacturers need to start marketing these as ‘writers chaises’. 🙂
Obviously, Beverly! It’s just about the perfect chair. If only it could make coffee! 🙂