I've been on twitter for about two years, and it's never been as toxic for me as it was for others. I'm part of the #writingcommunity there which is an incredibly supportive group of folks.
The Indie #authors there have been a never ending support, and helped me sell works while I've striven to do the same.
I'm still over on birdland. Many of us are migrating, but I can't say goodbye to those folks yet.
It's not all bad anywhere, and wherever I find myself I hope to bring a little joy.
100% -- the #writingcommunity has always been a place full of helpful, kind (and sane! Well, 'ish') people, but as soon as you step out of that community, it's ugly.
Then I think: these people really need to write, get some perspective, self-awareness and GROW.
Everyone should #write. Not even necessarily to get published. Just to get better.
@TheStorySmith There is an infinite value to self reflection. The best way I've found to know myself is to write out my thoughts long form, and wrestle with my spirit upon the page.
@TheStorySmith Every now and again I hit a home run, for everything else, that's what editors are for. ^_^
I love editing as much as I love writing.
At the moment, though, I'm wrestling with technology on the page and it is stilted! 😄
@TheStorySmith That is the daily struggle. Between battles with plots, and arguments with characters my word processing software is waiting in the dark alleys to mug my progress brutally.
I can take anyone else's MS, read it through, break it down, and say what works and what needs moving elsewhere, or which characters need a bit more of X, or plot needs 4shadowing, tease out themes and resonance, etc., no problem.
The creation process v.different. Lumpy and excrutiating one day, fast but sloppy another, slow and perfect in everything but with lacklustre voice on another day. 🤷♀️
My own work is always personal, and I take it personal no matter how hard I try. This is why I rely on my editors and beta readers so heavily, so much so that I put my editor in chief's name next to mine on the covers.
It's the least I can do for what I put her through. ^_^
It's easy to be detached and objective when you haven't sweated for hours wrestling with a slippery plot.
Once I've got the 1st draft down, I can re-visualise and edit, no worries. And I'm happier in that role. Editing is where the magic happens, in my view. Getting the idea to work initially, tho! #brainache
In saying all that, when ppl do #nanowrimo we all think everything we write is tripe bc of the speed. Last week, I was trying to write an example of truly beginner writing for my class to evaluate, and it was soooo hard. I thought it would be easy! LOL.
Curse of the #writer
Best advice I've ever been given. "You cannot revise an empty page."
The purest gold, and the strongest steel starts out as ore. You'd never know their potential looking at the rocks they start as, but with the right application of heat, and a masters touch, something truly amazing can arise from it.
We are wordsmiths, forgers of realities. To expect perfection of ourselves the first time is to hobble our creative spirit out of the gate.
Ok, I have to go deal with some vampires, eat, get to the doctor. been nice chatting!
@TheStorySmith Be well! Plenty of garlic. It helps with both!
@NiveusLepus
"wrestle with my spirit upon the page."
❤️that.
#writers