Don’t Write Alone

I’m confident in declaring most writers as introverts. Of course, there are exceptions, but I think as a general rule, the people who love to write do so because they communicate best with written words, rather than face to face. And most introverts like being alone. They’re comfortable there, relieved of the pressure of having to make people like or understand them face to face.

I’m an introvert, so I feel like an expert in this matter. 😊

Today, I have a message for my fellow introvert writers: don’t write alone.

Obviously, the actual nuts and bolts of writing – the part where you are literally putting words on paper or a computer screen – will be done alone. But there is so much more to writing than just that. And you’ll find that your writing life is much easier and more enjoyable when you aren’t alone. Here’s what I mean:

Find a Critique Group

Your critique group is going to be one of your best writing tools. They are the ones who a.) know about writing and b.) are removed enough from your story that they will be able to help you see the areas that need working and polishing to take your piece from good to amazing. Hopefully your critique group will point out all the things that need fixing in an encouraging way! (And if they don’t, find a new critique group.) But more eyes on your piece is always a good thing.

Find Teachers/Mentors

I don’t know of anyone who could simply sit down, pound out a novel, and then live the good life as it sells millions of copies. You need to find teachers and mentors who will instruct you in the craft of writing. Especially the people who have already been successful. They’ve learned hard lessons to get where they are, and you could avoid some downfalls by learning by their mistakes. I’ve found that many successful writers are eager to share what they’ve learned with the writers who are just starting out on their journey, and a wise person will seek them out.

Tell Your Friends

Tell your non-writing friends about your writing. They probably won’t understand a lot of the details, so you don’t need to nerd out on them about all things writing, but at least let them know that writing is a big part of your life. That way when discouragement comes – and it will – you can go to them and they can encourage you as a person. This month has been a tough one for me and my writing life, with a couple heavier-than-normal rejections. My non-writing friends made all the difference with well-timed words of encouragement that gave me the boost I needed to jump back on the horse and keep at it.

My point is, you need others. Writing alone may put you in danger of giving up when things get hard. Find other people to put in your writing corner. Trust me, there are plenty who will be happy to be there with you.

Do you have someone in your life who has made a difference this way? Tell me about them in the comments!