Support
So I am sick as a dog . . . presuming it's strep courtesy of the infectious disease ward in this house, and so this will be brief as I also have a deadline and need to do some polishing, and then hit the sack again. Though I just took a couple of Advil, so who knows? Maybe I will have a surge of feeling great. Trying to stay optimistic.
This week, I had sent out an email to a few friends I knew were spiritual--they were Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and one who worships, as I call it, "the pagan gods." I was covering my bases for my daughter. I was buoyed by all the support, the prayers, the phone calls, and it truly got me through a sucky (how is that for writerly?) week. (And you know, I could dress it up with all sorts of fancy vocabulary words, but sucky nails it.)
And over at my post at Magical Musings, Theresa had commented that online support is great, but there is something about the comraderie of an in-person support group for writers. Actually, I have been just as lifted by my online support this week, but in terms of writing, I miss the energy of being there in person with my group. Right now, I phone in and "conference call" the meeting. Over the years, my groups has seen me through writing ups, and writing downs . . . and personal ups and downs that, as a writer, seem to become enmeshed in the Work.
I also have come to treasure my online writing network. I don't have any online CPs, but talking craft with other writers is a bright spot in my day.
Now, as a writer, I have to say, I get zero support from my Significant Other, mainly because the guy doesn't read. Ever. So it's not as if I can explain to him the struggles. It's, for him, an "I don't get it" kind of thing, because it sure as hell looks like I get to do my job in my pjs. In fact, though my family (casting my net wider to relatives/siblings/parents) cheers me on, I would never really TALK to them about my struggles as a writer. It's a fairly unique position. If I get back rewrite notes from an editor, and have to reimagine a section of the book, probably only other creative people "get" that, as well as the rejections, the little stabbing pain you feel when someone posts they HATE your book, or the smile when you realize a reader who has taken the time to email you GETS your book. It's this very distinct little subset of experiences.
So, thanks to all the online friends who got me through my sucky week. And tell me, who do you get support from in your writing journey?
This week, I had sent out an email to a few friends I knew were spiritual--they were Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and one who worships, as I call it, "the pagan gods." I was covering my bases for my daughter. I was buoyed by all the support, the prayers, the phone calls, and it truly got me through a sucky (how is that for writerly?) week. (And you know, I could dress it up with all sorts of fancy vocabulary words, but sucky nails it.)
And over at my post at Magical Musings, Theresa had commented that online support is great, but there is something about the comraderie of an in-person support group for writers. Actually, I have been just as lifted by my online support this week, but in terms of writing, I miss the energy of being there in person with my group. Right now, I phone in and "conference call" the meeting. Over the years, my groups has seen me through writing ups, and writing downs . . . and personal ups and downs that, as a writer, seem to become enmeshed in the Work.
I also have come to treasure my online writing network. I don't have any online CPs, but talking craft with other writers is a bright spot in my day.
Now, as a writer, I have to say, I get zero support from my Significant Other, mainly because the guy doesn't read. Ever. So it's not as if I can explain to him the struggles. It's, for him, an "I don't get it" kind of thing, because it sure as hell looks like I get to do my job in my pjs. In fact, though my family (casting my net wider to relatives/siblings/parents) cheers me on, I would never really TALK to them about my struggles as a writer. It's a fairly unique position. If I get back rewrite notes from an editor, and have to reimagine a section of the book, probably only other creative people "get" that, as well as the rejections, the little stabbing pain you feel when someone posts they HATE your book, or the smile when you realize a reader who has taken the time to email you GETS your book. It's this very distinct little subset of experiences.
So, thanks to all the online friends who got me through my sucky week. And tell me, who do you get support from in your writing journey?
Labels: support
posted by Erica Orloff at 6:51 AM
16 Comments:
You! :)
My CP and a couple of online buds. No one in 'real life'.
Odd that we're both hooked up with guys who don't read. AT ALL.
It used to bug me. I had this vision of how wonderfully romantic it would be to be like Stephen and Tabitha King or Jonathan & Faye Kellerman sharing the struggles and creative bursts...and then I woke up and realized if DH and I had the same goals and interests in addition to sharing a house, kids and a business we would most definitely KILL each other.
Lainey:
Oh yes! I have twice been with very creative types, and it was competitive, generally unpleasant . . . just never meshed.
Support from family? Ha ha ha ha ha. The men in my family put on overalls and do Manly Stuff on weekends. Writing is something only a dandy would do.
Go to bed! Get some rest! Your blogging buddies will wait until you get better.
Hugs, Erica. You write great blogs even when you're sick.
My husband is the same as yours. My support is from my CPs and other writers. I'm lucky that I have writer friends from my local chapter, and can see them in person as well as online. (We're having our Christmas party this coming Saturday, and I'm really looking forward to it.)
I'm in that same kind of family. They just don't get what I do. The hubby thinks me sitting in front of the computer is all surfing the net and fun time. Ha. Yet, he is supportive in that he wants me to do something that makes me happy. (He's also crossing his fingers I'll make a million dollar advance some day. He's got a long wait.)
Take care of yourself, Erica! Snuggle up in the blankets and drink tea or whatever floats your boat.
I find your blog to be deeply supportive. Thank you for continuing on with it, even while sick.
Hugs and chicken soup (or the veggie equivalent).
Jen
Erica, I hope you feel better soon! And I'm lucky with my Magical friends, and amazing writers I come in contact with. We understand one another. My hubby doesn't read much either, but is proud of me and I can feel that.
Mostly the blogosphere. I can only make so many of my local RWA meetings, about four a year, and really I just go so I can hang out at the lunch afterwards. I cherish our annual retreat, and I like to meet fellow writers at the local wine bar when money allows.
And you and Lainey are totally right. One partner as an artist enough! He sits with me and reads while I write, and I'm very thankful for that. I don't like to be alone much.
And Erica, I hope you feel better and your daughter gets and stays healthy!
Go to bed! Get some rest!
Yes, yes, yes.
I have had the Grunge the past two days. I cannot stay awake (a temp of 101 will do that to me).
Yesterday I think I wrote you that I couldn't write when I was sick. Today I am powering through! Tomorrow I might write you that some alien took over my computer when I was asleep.
Feel better.
stephen:
LOL! I know a lot of male writers who get the same reaction from family.
E
edie:
Have fun at your party!! And glad I'm not the only one involved with a non-reader.
E
Michele:
That 100% sounds like mine!!!! Yeah, fun and good times reading gossip sites all day long while eating bon-bons.
E
JK:
I'll take the veggie equivalent.
:-)
E
ladonna, spy:
Yes. I first came on the 'net looking for support 16 years ago when a bout of Crohn's disease nearly killed me. I spent months just barely making it, in the hospital most of the time, and so on. I found other people in cuberspace with the disease and got treatment insight. It never dawned on me then how much the internet would evolve, and that I would eventually find writing support here, too.
E
Tena:
My fever is 103, and it's definitely strep. I couldn't get out of bed all day yesterday, but today my daughter has her cardiology appointment, so I have to,
E
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