The struggle with the writing and manuscripts continue”a combination of actual story issues and then the issues I’m just making up because I apparently love to fret”but it’s interesting to me that a few of my other author friends are also experiencing the same thing. (The writing issues, I mean. I can’t speak to the other issues).
There are enough of us I joked that perhaps there was something in the water or perhaps a virus that only affects writers.
One of the questions I’m often asked from young writers is, “How do I get to where you are?”
There are many different answers, but the one thing I try to remember to tell them is to find a writing group. And if there isn’t one, make one. Because the industry is difficult, because you only have so much time in the day and it’s great to have a network to tell you about classes/opportunities. But mostly, because there are times when you’ll feel as though you’re all alone, the only person struggling with the writing while everyone is merrily typing away at the pages.
That’s when it’s great to have a group. To remind yourself that we all struggle, that we all hit bumps, and that we’re not the only ones out there truffle-hunting for words. We’re all in this together, and while it doesn’t make the industry any easier, it certainly makes it friendlier.
