Writing a book can feel like a big project. You’ll be carving out time in your day to write. You’ll likely be using skills that may feel new to you. And you’ll be pushing your boundaries. It’s an exciting time, one in which you may need to feel the support of others.
Family and Friends
If you feel like your friends and family are going to be supportive, share your goals with them. Most often, people will be quite excited to hear that you’re writing a book. They’ll pepper you with questions and you’ll feel motivated to continue. If you’re going to be writing at home, you’ll also need the support of those you live with. They need to know to leave you in peace during your writing time.
Critique Groups
Consider connecting with other writers to get feedback on your material. You can find online critique partners or groups. There are probably other fiction critique groups in your community. Keep in mind that what your critique partners say is only an opinion.
Listen to their feedback and only take away what feels useful. Let go of the rest. Remember, as a member of a critique group you’ll also be required to contribute your feedback. Smaller groups can be good because there are fewer members and less to read.
Writing Organizations and Associations
There are both community organizations and national organizations to explore. These writing associations can provide you with the information, support, and feedback that you need. There’s something quite inspiring and motivating about attending an event for writers. It makes you feel like you belong and that you are capable of achieving your writing goals. It’s also great to talk to others and hear their success stories.
Support for your writing goals is essential. Create that support system for yourself. Join a local writing group or association, find critique partners, and share your writing aspirations with positive friends and family.
Next week, we’re going to deviate from the process of writing for a bit to talk about promoting your book because the promotion process begins long before the book is finished. Ideally, you’ll have an audience of people waiting to buy your book.
Finding Support For Your Writing Goals