She's Back

Okay, I know it's been too long, but really, does anyone read these notes? Well, just in case you are... thought I'd talk about making contact.

The writing profession is a solitary one. Yes, there are writing jobs where you sit in an office with other writers - but novelists tend to be on the extreme edge of being alone. We sit at our computers or with other writing implement in hand and live in our own little worlds. We may not necessarily be alone - after all, our characters keep us company - but we are not out there either. Not when we're writing. Yes, many writers have day jobs that keep them in the mainstream. But I'm talking about the writers who plot away day and night with no other contact beyond what they get through the internet. And that's not necessarily a good thing.

Don't get me wrong. I adore my computers and the internet and all it has to offer, but the touch of a keyboard can't replace the touch of a good friend. "LOL" doesn't convey the same intensity of emotion as a hearty in-person laugh from someone who "gets" you.

I spent Thursday with several writer friends and in a few weeks, I'll be going to a writer's retreat where a whole group of us will spend four days writing, laughing, writing, eating, writing, chatting with each other, and writing. We do this on a yearly basis and always come away exhausted but also empowered. We have recharged our writing batteries. It works so well because we understand each other.

When someone complains about their hero not behaving the way he should, we can commiserate because we've all been there. When someone runs into the hall yelling "I need a word", a dozen helpers pop out of rooms to offer suggestions. When a plot point doesn't work, we're there to help brainstorm.

We connect.

I'm not saying you need to do something as drastic as go away for a long weekend to a retreat, but do try to get together in person with other writers on a regular basis. I believe you'll find yourself a much better writer for it. If nothing else, it may recharge your muse and garner some new ideas.