Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Riders vs. Writers

Every July Le Tour de France is a sport I enjoy watching. Not only viewing it on television is fun, but two years ago, I went to France to see the tour ride into Paris. That was amazing! Even as I write this blog post, I’m watching the epic race’s third stage. Yep, I love it enough to follow it for a full three weeks.

One thing that impresses me about cycling is the active teamwork, even when the cyclists are racing with other team’s riders. If they don’t work together then none of them are going to succeed. Circuiting through different riders, they each take a little time at the front of the pack, allowing for all riders to have a break at the back, feeding off of the draft of those ahead.

With all this said, how does it relate to writing?

I’ve only actively been engaged in social-networking since January. That means for a full year I was alone in my writing efforts. Since then I’ve developed many great relationships with authors and avid readers. They’ve been a great support system for me. I know with full confidence that I wouldn’t be where I am as a writer today without this group of people. I rely on them to encourage me through the downs that come with being a writer, and applauding me with my achievements. And I’m eager and absolutely willing to offer them the same support. This is what is so great about the writing industry: there’s an amazing sense of unity between authors. We want each other to succeed.

If there is one thing I’d highly recommend, it is to build relationships with other authors and avid readers. Perhaps this is through critique groups or partners, or someone to talk to about good books. It’s even fun to talk with them about nothing that has to do with writing at all.

So, I say, “Writers are like riders—cyclists: we need each other to succeed. Some days you’ll be the writer at the front of the pack pushing the words forward. Other times, you’ll be at the back being fueled by the encouragement of your peers.”

I love writing, and I love my writing support group! You’re all priceless to me!

PS: Do you want to win a copy of Imaginary Girls or Hereafter? Enter to win them on my blog. Follow this link!
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12 comments:

  1. Trisha WolfeJuly 5, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Aw, great post! Love you, too! There's been a lot of talk about CP's lately, I think writers are discovering just how important it is to have someone in your corner =) <3

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  2. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    Julia! This is such a priceless post. I'm reminded of the post I wrote recently (shameless plug)! Seriously, as writers, we all need each other during the good and bad times. It's during those bad times, when the will to go on leaves and the drive to fulfill the dream vanishes, we need each other's support the most.

    I'm at a loss as to how I could have kept going back in the spring when my querying efforts rendered rejection upon rejection. But even now, after I still receive the rejections, the support of other writers who are going through the same thing I am, makes it easier to cope.

    I tend to ramble, hopefully, I'm making my point clear! Again, I love this post and would tell you to keep the relationships alive, even after "making it big"!!

    Thanks again for the positive post!

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  3. UnknownJuly 5, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Trish - You were the turning point for me! You helped me whip my book into shape. I will forever be indebted to you for your beautiful inspiration! Mwah!

    Jack - You are the best! Need I say more! Thanks for getting me out of my shy-I-hate-sharing-my-words-with-others groove. I'm amazed by your words and strength to keep moving forward! Keep going!

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  4. WordLusterJuly 5, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Great post! And SO TRUE! I also have made many priceless connections in the wonderful world of writing in about the same amount of time as you. :-P It's amazing how many authors are supportive of each other considering how competitive the publishing industry is.

    Thanks for sharing this positive outlook. It's a nice reminder of all the people out there supporting us.

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  5. robJuly 5, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Aww, you're so nice. This is the whole reason I'm working on my big big project (it totally needs a name), because I get good ideas and feedback from so many different people in different fields.

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  6. UnknownJuly 5, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Good point, Amy. With how competive the writing industry is, it's surprising that we support each other so much. Guess that makes us extremely altruistic! hehe

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  7. Cara R. OlsenJuly 5, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Thank you for sharing this, Julia.

    I agree; you can only do so much on your own, and then you need the support and encouragement of people who have been there or are right there with you. I know exactly what you mean when you say you wouldn't be the writer you are today without having that love and support. :)

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  8. UnknownJuly 5, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Rob - I told you to name your project the "Super Secret Project." You never listen to me. haha. I want to be at the opening so send me an invite! hehe Thanks for being here for me!

    Cara - yep, we wouldn't be who we are without others, not only in writing, but in EVERYTHING! Thanks for the comment! Mwah!

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  9. Jamie CorriganJuly 5, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    This is a really wonderful post, Julia. You are so right with how you put this. We really are like cyclists. & our support system is much needed & appreciated. I know that I love my CP & her writing more than she knows! Hehe! Great post! :)

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  10. UnknownJuly 5, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Jamie - And I love my CP! Thanks for your comment, girl!

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  11. Kristin Lynn ThetfordJuly 5, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Hey Julia! My Internet is back up! :)

    This post is phenomenal. And true. Very very true. We writers need each other, and I am so happy to be a part of such a fantastic writing community.

    Thanks for being such a great writing friend, girl! <3 :)

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  12. UnknownJuly 6, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Kristin - I love the writing community, too! I feel so blessed to have fallen into such a great group of people--including YOU! Mwah!

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