What This Writer Needs by Gerri Brousseau

Recently, Susan Hanniford Crowley wrote about What Authors Need.  These three articles have gotten me thinking.  An author spends most of their time working in solitude.  Author's tend to get drawn into the worlds they create and tend to remain there until their novel is completed.  Authors create characters and spend months on end with them, placing them in near impossible predicaments, and rescuing them from peril.  We come to know our characters, their likes, their dislikes, their quirks, and their dreams.  In short, these characters become our friends.

As an author, I do spend quite a bit of time in the solitude of the fictional world created in my mind.  I did find Susan's tips quite helpful, but I find one additional thing I require in my life as a writer is the company of fellow writers.  Of course, my friends and family look at me sympathetically, asking me how things are going with my book.  They simply don't understand why I would rather stay at home and write than do anything else.  But with my writer friends, it's a different story.  It's great to be around other writers because they get it.  They know what it's like to be struggling with a character or plot problem, and they too struggle with getting their edits done on time.

I also have a mentor, who has become a valued friend.  I know I can trust her to help me hone my craft and keep me pointed in the right direction.  She is always there to give me a pep talk when the doubt monster is getting the best of me, as well as to share in the joy of my successes.

If you are just beginning a writing career, I encourage you to join a writers' group in your area.  Make friends with the people there and learn from them.  Get into their mentor program and let your mentor critique your writing.  Before you know it, you will be progressing in your writing career and well on your way toward publication.  Not only will you have made a bunch of great friends, but you will have a network of support from people who find joy in doing exactly what you do.

Yes, I like having a pleasant room with a view to write in.  I enjoy sitting close to my lovely French doors, watching the day as I sip my coffee and contemplate my story line.  And I agree that chocolate seems to be a must, but what this writers needs is the companionship of my fellow writers.  And wine, yes wine is good too.

What is the one thing you really need to keep you going when you are writing?

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