Writers Support

A writer's life can be very solitary. The writer and pen and paper, or computer. That's all. Peace and quiet is often the only friend a writer has - but they do need more? They need quality support and even a mentor can be very helpful.

I can recall movies of writers where the poor soul, usually a man, was stricken in front of his typewriter hitting away at the keys and being very stricken by the results - and a screwed up ball of paper would be aimed at the waste paper basket which was already full and overflowing.

These days there are many options.

Writers magazines - real or on-line, to help you connect with other writers

Writers organisations - from Writing Circles, Groups, and professional organisations

Writing Courses - where you learn the craft and communicate with other writers, and often have the opportunity to critique each other's work.

Websites and User groups - these are many and varied.

Writers Festivals - where you get to meet, mingle with, and hear the thoughts and words of successful writers

Professional Mentors

For many it is a "buddy" - someone to work with from time to time, a close friend and ally who is also a writer, or even editor, that you can work with - someone to read your work, or listen whilst you read it.

Often one's spouse or loved one is NOT the best person to work with. Many find that someone very close is not objective enough - and any criticism of the work is translated into personal crticism. Not always a safe journey.

I've only touched briefly on some options - the best thing is to find out what works for you. So some trial and error might be the order of the day - and remember you need to vary the support. I keep taking different writing courses or attending workshops, and I almost always find inspiration and support - and friends.