Where do I find inspiration? The weekly theme of Thursday's Children Hosted by: Rhiann Wynn-Nolet http://rhiannwynnnolet.com/ Join us!
From my beta readers/CP's!!
-because we're flexible like that.
-because we're flexible like that.
Guess it was two years ago in July that I found Jeff and
Jennifer on Krista Van Dolzer's blog, Mother Write Repeat. Krista wrote
about beta readers and how many writers were having difficulty finding writer
buddies in their own genres.
Being in this boat myself, with my writing
friends not writing my genre--they were great and very encouraging--but
not MG readers, not even YA. I even had trouble finding beta readers with the list SCBWI
sent me. And I live in NYC! I finally realized, and it took awhile, sometimes you’ve just got to create what isn't there.
I snagged a couple forlorn writers within Krista’s comment
stream, and we created the #MGbetareaders (look for us on twitter)
Found a few more on twitter, and then a friend of a friend, and it snowballed. Now 24 members
strong, they inspire me everyday.
Some have recently found agents. Some have sworn off
writing, only to be on the road to an agent/publisher by the next email. Others get down, or overburdened and remind me we all feel this--not just me. I let the feeling sorry for myself
bug vanish when I hear their stories. Or any writer’s story for that matter—We
need stories! Damn they’re helpful.
Being 'sensitive' types, guided and sometimes driven by our
emotions. It's great when they check in with their fears, hopes-- and contests
to share!
Love each and every one of you: Akoss, Ella, Becky, Melanie,
Jean, Jennifer, Annie, April, Ashley, Chris, Jeff, Devon, Dana, Jay, Heidi,
Ki-wing, Paul, Gail, Rebecca, Rebekah, Rebecca, and Ronnie--an Awesome, Amazing,
and Generous team. Go Team! Some are rocking the CampNaNo.
So, get down—in your seats--and keep writing!
You sure inspire me to NEVER stop! XO
Aw, it's so cool to have friends who share your interests and can relate to you! You're right- we need each others stories!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and inspiring in its own right. I will definitely check out your twitter group...I've been noticing though that I really just need to write for awhile, or my need for beta readers will definitely be moot. Thanks for sharing your inspiration and insight!
ReplyDeleteKrista's blog is awesome, isn't it? Love her!
ReplyDeleteI've seen your hashtag floating around the twitterverse, a great idea! I don't write MG but will encourage one of my CPs to check it out, as she does.
Great post, Karen! CPs are such a hugely important part of staying inspired during the tough times!
Dannie @ Left to Write
Love this! I have one main CP and I don't know what I'd do without here!
ReplyDeleteI also have several friends/beta readers who are THE BEST!
Lovely post <3
It is so important to have the support of writing friends who understand all the ups and downs of being a writer - so great that you're part of a group like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. It's great to have writing friends and critique partners.
ReplyDeletehttp://otherworlddiner.blogspot.com/2013/04/inspired-by-remarkable-unusual-and-true.html
This is such a pick-me-up right now. My support group (in terms of writing) consists of my Beta readers and writing group. They get it. My family doesn't, and I used to think that was a major weakness to me. Now I know it doesn't matter, as long as I can find people to share with. Key phrase is to find people, not give up.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story - I will have to check out that hashtag. Must be nice to have such a large pool of reliable readers to choose from (who are friends, no less). Thank you for sharing that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments. I've been in a writing/revision cave today--but I will make my rounds to all of the Thursday's children. XOX
ReplyDeleteat least before the weekend's up. I've read some amazing and inspiring stories already. :)
And the update is that two MORE of our beta's got agents just yesterday. A lot of excitement in our group.
ReplyDeleteThey help me dream a little higher. <3
Your turn will come! I think it's no coincidence that I wrote my first two books in a "void" and didn't get an agent, but with the help of CPs/betas my third book did the trick :)
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ReplyDeleteThanks Rhiann! :))
ReplyDeleteI love that you created your own group and ended up creating a writing family!
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