by Janice L. Dick
Canada
Some of my non-writer friends seem to think
that writing a book is as simple as going to the store, picking out a volume,
paying for it and bringing it home.
I’m sure you’ve all heard these questions: “Are
you still writing? When will your next book be ready?”
So many responses come to mind:
“I’ve been thinking about writing another
one. Maybe I’ll do that tomorrow and you can come pick it up next week.”
“Yes, the four-book series should be done
by the end of the month.”
“I have one in mind just for you.”
Sarcasm can make us feel better in the
short run, but the fact is that many if not most of our non-writing friends and
even family have no idea what we do, how we do it, or why we continue to spend
hour upon hour at this “hobby” of ours.
I’ve had to come to terms with the fact
that they just don’t get it. We writers are often misunderstood, and so writing
can be a lonely journey.
For me, the alternative to employing sarcasm
is to surround myself with other writers. My local writing group is great
with constructive critique, but we also support each other in our obsession
with finding just the right words. We discuss how to fit writing time into the busy
seasons of our lives. We encourage each other to enter that contest or write
that blog.
And then there’s the virtual world of
writers and groups in any flavour you can conceive of. One of my favourites is Christian Indie Writers on Facebook.
Someone will always chime in to answer a question or give an opinion.
Another, of course, is this group of International Christian Fiction Writers.
My friends, we belong to a worldwide web of supporters who “get it.” I’m so
thankful for all of you who write for this site and read the blogs of our
members. The responses are always positive and encouraging.
A local acquaintance told me she didn’t
“need” writing groups anymore. She has apparently passed that phase. I feel
sorry for her. Did I mention she isn’t writing at this time?
It’s nice to have a few special people who
understand. It makes the silly questions easier to field and keeps us on task.
