I always used to hear that writing was a lonely business. And that’s pretty obvious. But I used to think I love that part. I love the solitude of it all, the time to myself with no interruptions. But what I didn’t realize is that they weren’t talking about writing, per se. They were talking about the business of being a writer. The ups and downs, the tumult, the days you feel so tired of waiting, sad about a bad review. And because, for the most part, you can’t just throw a rock and hit another writer, (maybe that’s a bad phrase to use, but you know what I mean!) sometimes you feel like there isn’t really anyone to talk to it about. Or anyone who really understands, at least.
But I’ve never had to be lonely. Well, since right after I got my deal for Dear Carolina, anyway. Because I have these amazing women, The Tall Poppy Writers, the ones I went to New York with last weekend, who always have my back. I stumbled upon their founder, Ann Garvin, in the most seemingly random way, and she started this group and asked little old me, without so much as a debut novel to her name, to join.
And these women have become my rocks. My sounding boards. My cheerleaders. They have given me advice and inspiration and encouragement. Because they, too, get tired of the waiting, and, even with their experience and their thick skin, sometimes a bad review can sting them too.
Meeting them in person truly, honestly, made me understand how people can fall in love online. Because, even though I was hugging their necks and drinking wine coffee with them for the first time, I had been talking to them every day for months. I already knew them. I had already toasted them in their victories and encouraged them in their defeats, and they had done the same for me. I had already marveled at how they juggled motherhood and careers, spouses and hobbies, volunteer work and friendships with the writing that they couldn’t stop doing.
We all agree that we write because, next to holding our babies, holding our books is the most transformative experience of our lives, one that never gets old.
But, most of all, we write because of readers. Because of the people that send us emails and comment on our blog posts and show up at our events and write beautiful reviews online. We write for all of you. Because, without you, there’d really be no reason.
And, in those moments where even that notion isn’t enough, we have each other. And that, even on the tough days, is more than enough.
Go check out my Poppy friends at our website. Or like our page on Facebook. You’ll be in awe of these women just like I am!
And, while you’re at it, head over to Vacay Style and enter to win a $200 gift card their store along with a beach bag overflowing with books by Tall Poppy Writers! Hooray!
Kristy, you are so full of love. Writing gives you the opportunity to share with your friends, family and all the world! You are never, and never will be, alone. We are all there with you with every word you write!
xo
Patty