A former student of mine wandered into my classroom last night to use a computer, and we ended up talking for two whole hours. He is graduating this May as a Business Communications major, but is working on his memoir and a few stories, so mostly we talked about writing. It was a fabulous conversation, covering anything from our WIPs to analyzing shared favorite reads. At one point we were nearly laughing ourselves to tears over the oxford comma debate... uh, you had to be there. At the end I told him to add me to his short list of people to send his memoir to when we was ready for feedback.
It was a highlight of the night, but also a reminder. A reminder to pause and have conversations with anyone you can, sure. But also a reminder of how important it is for other writers to talk to other writers and support one another.
Too often this writing gig can feel like a competition or like we are drowning in a sea of endless talent. Thinking about the sheer size of an editor's slush pile is enough to give anyone anxiety. But even if you are trying to publish, in fact especially if you are, it is so important to support fellow writers and make them a part of your life. For one they "get it" and a sense of camaraderie and having someone on your side goes a long way to validate your efforts. But more importantly, we are the ones often most equipped to aid each other. Through feedback, advice, the right connections, watching others take risks that pay off or fall through.
If we are a sea of endless talent, then let us be like a sea. Let us mix and mingle like water particles, taking turns lifting the ones around us, and forming literal waves of support. The more support, the higher the wave. It's how it should be.
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