Lately I've been reading (for critique) several outstanding manuscripts. They have been goosebump good and they make me so excited for these writers.
That got me thinking about our little online community of writers and how much I value you all.
This morning I realized, even if it's never God's will for me to be published, I am so thankful I get to be involved in your lives and in your journeys.
And no, I'm not writing this so all of you will comment and assure me that I will certainly be published one day. This is not a call for the cheerleaders to come out in force.
This is to say that even IF I never get to realize the publication dream for myself, I know a bunch of you WILL and ... Wow, that is amazingly sweet.
And to think I got to be a little part of some of your processes! What an honor!
There will be books on the shelves someday I will show my children and say, "I critiqued this one," or, "This is my really good friend's book."
Just, WOW.
Is anyone else getting the good shivers? We're making literary history right now, people!
For me, that's sweeter than chocolate.
Photo credit: SavaMatkovitch from morguefile.com
I've recently been feeling blue about the odds against getting published, but your post made me stop and appreciate the fact that I'm sitting down with a cup of coffee, doing something I really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
It's amazing to me how, during the time I've been writing, the writer's life has changed from isolation to community. Yes, we do get to participate with each other so much more now.
ReplyDeleteOver the years a writer will find critique buddies that will end up being published or one that you know soon will be. It is rewarding to be a small part of that process. Also, it's really cool to have such capable betas that are willing to drop everything and help you work through a scene. Yeah, I love writers!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, Amy! Just last week, I reviewed one friend's debut novel, and read another! They were both beautifully written and I felt 100%priveledged to call them both my friends. And I'm blessed to know so many other wonderful writers who will also have books published some day!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to me like your betas are also very lucky! A great beta relationship is hard to come by and I am so so grateful for the people who have helped me get this far and like you, I often feel honored to read their work.
ReplyDeleteYou have helped me SOOOOO much! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. If - God-willing - I ever get an agent and ever do get published, I will seriously have you to thank. You rock!
ReplyDeleteWell, you know I'm your cheerleader! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's fun being able to help writers along their journey, especially when you admire their work. And let me tell you how much I value being in your circle. You've helped me so much, and your encouragement will stay with me always. One day when I see your book on a shelf I'll be saying I KNEW HER WAY BACK WHEN :)
I love this post, and it's so true! Like Heather S., I just got to read 2 debut novels (probably the same ones, Heather! Hee), and meet one of the authors. The fact that the books are signed just makes them so special to me, since we're all in this writing community together.
ReplyDeleteI hope that someday I can be an inspiration to other writers, just as you have been for me, Amy! Email me sometime (vikingmoma@gmail.com) and fill me in on where you are in the publishing journey--is your stuff on submission right now? Mine is...and I'm waiting! AGHH!
What a nice post!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the critique Amy! You are so nice to give your precious time in this way and hope to repay others (when I am qualified to do so. LOL!) in the future.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I feel this way exactly. So blessed, and so privileged, to read and admire. My kids are so used to me telling them -- I know her! Sometimes they also critique and it makes them immensely proud to see the work published.
ReplyDeleteLovely post! Now I'm craving chocolate.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the many reasons why you are AWESOME! I've thought the same thing about our bloggy friends. I have a couple of author friends whose honest to goodness books are coming out, and it's so exciting. Authors are real people, and now we can call so many of them friends.
ReplyDeleteI remember my first acknowledgement in a novel; it blew me away and I was so excited to be a tiny part of someone's journey.
ReplyDeleteWhat goes around comes around I say. Supportive writers become supported authors.
I understand what you mean- I've recently come to this same conclusion!
ReplyDeleteI've met an incredible amount of people who I otherwise would never have known if I had not embarked on this journey!
I used to read lots of biographies when I was a kid, and I marveled at how many artists/writers/musicians were friends with each other. It seemed like such an amazing coincidence. Now I realize the necessity of supporting each other, cheering each other on (by the way--you will be published, Amy!), and being there during the hard times, too. How could an artist of any sort survive without that community?
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, Amy. I'm reminded of all the years I did theatre work (costumes, props, stage managing) and how one wise director said that the audience's applause was for ALL OF US that made the performance magical, not just the actors.
ReplyDeleteMentoring and critiquing matter. Together we make magical worlds with words.
Hi Amy .. it's great isn't it being able to support and read through work before it's published to help.
ReplyDeleteEven though I didn't start out with aspirations to write for the world at large ... I still get a chance to read authors who have taken the bull by the horns and published books - and you're so right we will have lots of books to point at and say - I've met that author, or read their draft ..
... also of course we're all going through the process of publishing in some way or another and so we'll have some form of expertise of the process.
Good luck to you all .. we're all writers and publishers .. have a great weekend .. Hilary
I read an excellent blog post recently that begged writers to never give up on their manuscripts. If you, the writer, truly believes in the work then keep sending it out over and over again. It's not only the quality of the writing that counts. It's landing on the correct desk at the correct time. So never say never... and yes I do find it exciting 'by proxy' when blogger and twitter friends get acceptances.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I love following your blog. (Giant writer-ly hug) And when you are published, I can point to the shelves and go "I read her blog!"
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely sentiment, Amy! I feel the same way. I've met so many wonderful people through blogging.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post! I feel the same way. I hope I'll be published and believe I will, but even if I'm not--wow, to have been a part of it all. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! I have the books of two good friends on my shelf right now, and that's just so cool!
ReplyDeleteIt is cool and definitely sweet. :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I love being on the ground floor of something really great. It's so fun to see how writers and their work evolves.
ReplyDeleteI do love meeting future author's through blogging. Knowing the person really makes it more fun to read the book. It is a pretty sweet gig we've got here.
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