There’s been a lot of discussion of late about support circles. I was at a writer’s course the other weekend and other attending authors spoke of their writer support circles. I’m kind of isolated where I live, so it’s not very often I get to meet with likeminded people. I was only one of two authors at the course who started out online. So my support circles aren’t people I meet to have coffee with and chat. My support circle is made up of people that live in my computer.
Support groups are an important, if not critical, facet of online life. For authors, bloggers, reviewers, readers, having a support circle away from public timelines is extremely important.
Being online can be a solitary and isolating thing. And if it’s a person’s main source of personal interaction, it can become a dangerous thing.
Being insulated in your bubble of a world that revolves around you, can leave an author blinkered in their perspective. Having a circle of trusted fellow authors is paramount in broadening your horizons. I’ve been blessed to have a great support circle since my first days that, seven years later, are still with me.
Support circles are:
- A sounding board for ideas.
- A safe place to vent about a range of current issues, without doing it publicly on social media. A private group with trusted people (what happens in group, stays in the group) is critical in maintaining a professional face in public.
- A great way to network within the community, broadening circles even further.
- A reality check. For authors, support circles are can offer/share reflection of reader/reviewer reaction and feedback, allowing a broader understanding of the community and how it works. It’s important to understand that if one author receives correspondence from readers giving them praise, yes it’s amazing, but it’s not isolated. They’re not the first, they won’t be the last. We’ve all seen recently with the cockygate debacle that the author in question firmly believed she was the only author to ever have received emails, letters, and gifts. Narcissism aside, having a group of authors around you to keep you grounded is very important.
- A group of likeminded authors to swap beta and proofreading jobs, offering honest and trusted feedback.
- Basically, having a support circle will stop you from going insane. I’m not even kidding.
Gathering a network of folks within your community, whether it’s author, reviewer, or reader, is one of the most helpful tools you can have. And what the M/M community is freaking amazing at, is community. Never be afraid to put your hand up and ask for help.
Join groups on Facebook, interact with your fellow people, and open communications. If you’re struggling with one thing, ask someone. If they aren’t going through the exact same thing, chances are they’ve been through it, or know someone who has. Never fear that your issue might be too silly or too small. No question is too amateur, believe me.
If you don’t have a tribe, make one. What you learn together could very well save your sanity.
If you’re new to your field, write a post on Facebook, or Twitter, or Instagram, or any social media, saying “Any other new authors here?” and watch people reply. If you’ve been writing for twenty years but you need a beta reader or a diversity reader, or a proof reader, then write a post and ask. People will offer!
The book community, be author, reader, reviewer, are book people. We love to help, so don’t be shy! Reach out and be rewarded!
I’m no expert. But I’ve been around long enough to know this writing/reading/reviewing gig is a lot better place to be when you know you’re not alone.
<3
For more about N.R. Walker you can find her at:
Email:
nrwalker@nrwalker.net
I currently reading ‘Blood and Milk’ and I’m loving it! Keep that computer humming!