Comments on: Writerly Friends

by: Eric

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:54:29 +0000

I’d love to start a writers’ room, like the kind that develops the stories for a TV show.

Problem is, most of the people I’d want to include are too busy either with their own writing projects, or worse yet, full time jobs on top of their hobby writing projects.

They don’t have time to fiddle around with story development groups. It’s also different from a writing team that are all coworkers — either the network owns the work, or they share ownership.

One of the first questions posed when I’ve tossed around the idea of starting a writers’ room, is who owns the story then? If it’s one person’s core idea is it fair to give it all away to everyone else? But then if they contribute a lot, that’s fair?

It’s a tricky situation I haven’t been able to solve.

by: Sara Hantz

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:21:34 +0000

I couldn’t have done it without my writer pals. The support, guidance, and having people who understand how exciting and frustrating this business can be.

by: Suzanne

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 02:25:41 +0000

Writer friends provide the specific support that a friend outside of this ‘industry’ simply couldn’t, not because they don’t care, but because they don’t understand.

by: Trish Ryan

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:53:41 +0000

It’s great to have connections with people who really get the business of writing, and how different it is from a job you can leave at the end of the day and not think about until 8:30 the next morning. My writing friends have been invaluable as my publication date draws closer…I can’t imagine not having this community. Not to mention that if I didn’t know Allison, I’d never have seen that hamster pic…talk about improving the quality of my day

by: astrothsknot

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:52:53 +0000

i think it’s vital. Non-writers simply don’t understand at best and can be combatant at worst, “Well, it’s just a hobby, I don’t see why it’s causing all this stress. Why don’t you just quit?”

Writers understand other writers, can offer moral support and advice on a host of things.

I’ve found as well, that writing was a jumping off point for some of my closest friendships. It gave us something in common in the early days, giving it a chance to blossom in a deep friendship with folk that i’ve nothing else in common with and wouldn’t have met otherwise.

by: Juliet

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:51:41 +0000

My critique partners keep me sane and keep me working. I hope they can say the same for me!

by: Brenda

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 03:30:11 +0000

That is one of the cutest pictures I have ever seen. Love, generosity and friends, it says it all. Thanks for posting it.

by: Therese Walsh

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:32:48 +0000

Not to detract from Allison’s post, but about those hamsters: In my next life, I’m going to have a blog featuring cute animals.

by: Kathleen Bolton

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:43:00 +0000

Oh lord, I’d have given up my sanity long ago if not for my writer friends. Writing can be such a lonely occupation. Friends make it bearable.

Therese, that pix of the hamsters is too cute!

by: Therese Walsh

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:40:07 +0000

Great post, Allison. My closest writer pals are also my critique partners. They’re an invaluable source of knowledge and support for me.

by: Lyle

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:09:54 +0000

For me, it’s not just about having a network of writers, but writers who are “on the same page.” People with the same attitude toward improvement, who realize they can always get better and are striving to get there.

The other sort, who just want ego-pats, I can do without, thank you very much.