There was something worth tweeting about.
I surprise many writers by being willing to meet for free. Free? They get confused. I’m not surprised. One of my favorite ways to confuse people is by doing something for nothing. I will charge to help, but most writers I meet don’t need much more help than being told, “Yes, you can do this.” Of course, if someone wants a coach or an ongoing consultation, then I charge a fee. But, free is easy.
Go ahead. Take MFA classes. Watch hours of videos. Build your special writing place. Buy the ideal computer. All of those help writers improve. I haven’t done any of those things, and that’s why I know that many of my friends are better writers than me. But, I am known for doing things differently. (Which explains A Lot.)
I have improved my writing by writing. Readers help, too. No cost except time.
Several days ago, I got a phone call on my landline. It uses a number I no longer use, but it should work better in an emergency. Now, it mostly gets calls from (possibly) publishing scammers (more on that in a future post), and folks I met long ago who don’t know my mobile number. This caller knew me by name, had met me at a talk I gave years ago at the local library, – And Very Energetically Wanted To Get Their Book Done!!! Help!!! Enthusiasm like that is more than refreshing; it is vital.
We met at a local coffeehouse on a relatively quiet weekday morning. We talked for an hour and a half with frequent interruptions of, “Are you sure you don’t want to charge me for this? This is great stuff!” (paraphrased) Why charge? I was having fun, too.
As I wrote above (assuming it survived any edits), I usually don’t charge for a single session. It may be all they need, and while I need the money, I don’t need the extra paperwork that taxes require.
Besides, it’s fun. Writers are fun people. Authors are fun people. For me, the distinction is that an author has produced words that are printed, or posted to the general public. Being an author means being a writer, then crossing that hurdle that lets strangers see what the writer wrote. Write a book? You’re an author. Write an article for a newsletter? You’re an author.
I am a fan of writers’ groups. For me, the best resource is not a class, or a manual, or an instructor. The best resource is other writers. If a writer wants to become an author, then there’s another good resource in other authors. Sometimes, the best advice has the same price as a cup of caffeine. (Tea’s my preference. See my book list for why.)
A writer or author met in person is more likely to understand the environment you are writing within. Good and great writers and authors can be anywhere, but Manhattan isn’t Kansas, isn’t Seattle, isn’t LA, isn’t the south end of Whidbey Island. Each place has a different density of writers, libraries, bookstores, and supporting contractors. Writers’ groups are easier or harder to find. Book formatters, illustrators, editors and publicists may be common or not.
Other writers’ experiences can help decide where to find help and support. Other author’s experiences can help decide which marketing strategies work best.
The only way I got my early books into a mainland bookstore was by mistake. I happened to walk into a bookstore and was introduced to their brand-new book buyer. They’d been on the job for a week, said yes, and then apologized when their boss told them they should’ve said no. This bookstore wants hardback. This bookstore wants to negotiate prices, so they like it if the price isn’t printed on the cover. This bookstore will only take the book if the price is easily found on the back cover in a corner or by the bar code.
I was surprised when I bicycled across America (Just Keep Pedaling) when I realized how few towns had books for sale. Some didn’t have magazines or newspapers. These are handy things to know.
We, and I’m assuming you are a writer, author, or involved in the industry, are our best resource. Especially for new writers, we can help each other know what really works in our specific situation.
My favorite ‘Ah ha!’ moment was a chance conversation as I happened to be walking beside a local, successful, professional author. I asked them if it was a good thing that I can rough-draft at over one thousand words an hour. They stopped, turned to me, looked to see if I was joking, and then said something like, “Yes. That’s’a thing. If you can do that, you have a skill.” They conveyed that message with their look. The words merely reinforced the message.
Knowing it can be done, hearing others’ successes and challenges, seeing their body language as they listen and reply have been more valuable to me than any video I’ve seen.
The other message I’ve received frequently is that luck is involved. It was good luck for me to take that walk. It was bad luck for me to publish a book on personal finance as The Great Recession hit. (Dream. Invest. Live.) Luck matters, and that can be hard to believe until you hear real stories from other authors.
Pardon me as I copy & paste a bit of myself;
“The best resource is other writers.
If a writer wants to become an author,
then there’s another good resource in other authors.
Sometimes, the best advice has the same price as a cup of caffeine.“
tomthewriter.com 
Leave a comment