Courtesy of Evan Kirby/unsplash.com It's easy for writers to become alone and isolated. Afterall, we work at a computer or write on a tablet, at odd hours of the day for long periods of time, and get completely engrossed in whatever work-in-progress we have going at the moment. However, given that lifestyle, it always amazes me at how kind, generous, and caring writers are to each other, their community, the world, and to their fans.
As a relatively new author on the writing scene, I've been privileged to be the recipient of numerous acts of kindness. Other writers have reviewed my books, featured my works on their blogs, created book release videos, sent me words of encouragement, answered endless equestions, provided critical reviews, directed my steps to alternative resources, cried with me when tragedy struck, and given me a sense of belonging. They have broaden my writing community in more ways than I can even count. But what has meant the most to me is the example they set through their support of newer writers, their fans and the children who read their books.
One of these special people is author, Kelly Hashway. She writes everything from children's picture books to Young Adult. She also edits. In other words, she is one busy and prolific writer/author. However, she makes school visits to encourage kids to read, she makes presentations at bookstores, she writes a blog to answer writer questions, she spends time taking care of her fans, and she gives back to her own community and her community of writers. On a personal level, though, she is a kind and caring person who is never threatened by another writer's success and is always willing to share her own mis-steps in writing. This is where say, "I want to be like Kelly when I grow up!" You can check her out here is you don't beleive me---www.kellyhashway.com/
That aside, I wanted to see if there were ways that I could demonstrate the kindness I've been shown, so I came up with ten things all writers can do.
One act of kindness won't bring to sucess to a new writer and it won't change the world, but you might be amazed by what it does for your mental and emotional attitude next time you sit down at the computer to hammer out a difficult scene.
As a relatively new author on the writing scene, I've been privileged to be the recipient of numerous acts of kindness. Other writers have reviewed my books, featured my works on their blogs, created book release videos, sent me words of encouragement, answered endless equestions, provided critical reviews, directed my steps to alternative resources, cried with me when tragedy struck, and given me a sense of belonging. They have broaden my writing community in more ways than I can even count. But what has meant the most to me is the example they set through their support of newer writers, their fans and the children who read their books.
One of these special people is author, Kelly Hashway. She writes everything from children's picture books to Young Adult. She also edits. In other words, she is one busy and prolific writer/author. However, she makes school visits to encourage kids to read, she makes presentations at bookstores, she writes a blog to answer writer questions, she spends time taking care of her fans, and she gives back to her own community and her community of writers. On a personal level, though, she is a kind and caring person who is never threatened by another writer's success and is always willing to share her own mis-steps in writing. This is where say, "I want to be like Kelly when I grow up!" You can check her out here is you don't beleive me---www.kellyhashway.com/
That aside, I wanted to see if there were ways that I could demonstrate the kindness I've been shown, so I came up with ten things all writers can do.
- Spend time reading with kids at your local school
- Volunteer at a local food bank
- If you have a book, donate it to a student library
- Thank a teacher in your community who helps her kids enjoy books
- Thank your local librarian
- Send an encouraging email to a struggling writer
- Send a card to a writer you hear is having a difficult time
- Highlight a new writer's book on your blog
- Offer to write a review the writer's book
- Answer questions from new writers
One act of kindness won't bring to sucess to a new writer and it won't change the world, but you might be amazed by what it does for your mental and emotional attitude next time you sit down at the computer to hammer out a difficult scene.
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