Elliot Kessler

Yesterday, I met with a friend from church who is also a science fiction and fantasy author. We discussed our ideas, our progress with specific projects, and how we might be able to help each other. I had not felt so inspired to write in a long time. I only get this kind of inspiration from talking with other authors. Connecting with like-minded writers for help, inspiration, and support is essential.

But why must we connect with others?

For one, loneliness is a terrible thing. I’ve felt like an outcast most of my life and finding someone who shares the same passion for writing as you do helps you feel human. It helps you become social again for those like me who feel alienated from the rest of the world.

For another, inspiration is fuel for a writer. Without it, what are we? If we aren’t inspired to write, then our writings are not inspired. They are worthless, lifeless scribbles on paper. Meeting with other authors brings back the fire that I forget I have. It makes me want to plop back down at my desk and type as fast as my fingers can move. It’s incredible what talking with other writers and authors who understand what we’re doing can do for our inspiration.

Another reason for connecting with others is finding help with your work. Self-editing works to an extent, but at some point, you will need someone else to look over your work and edit it if it is going to be the best it can be. Finding friends willing to critique your work and give suggestions is very helpful, but you also have to be willing to take criticism and accept negative feedback. Sometimes our work stinks. That’s how it goes.

However, with that being said, you can’t simply accept critique and edits without returning the favor. Simply letting them help you but not helping in return is rotten and won’t get you anywhere. I had someone who would edit my work, but I didn’t do anything for them. Heck if they ever help me again!

Having someone tell us that our work is excellent and worth something makes all the hours we spend writing worthwhile. Whether or not you believe the story is good becomes irrelevant. Someone likes it. That’s amazing! It makes you feel good, but, more importantly, it lets us know that we are serving others through our work, especially when they understand what we’re saying through the story. Writing is servitude, and knowing your work means something to someone is everything.

There’s a myth that most people have that writers sit in a dark room writing on their own for hours until they finish their masterpiece. This simply isn’t the case; every writer needs people to help them. Especially other authors. Even famous authors like Tolkien, Asimov, and C. S. Lewis had friends who helped shape their works into what we know today. Connecting with writers, whether online, at conventions or even at school, is vital to finding success in this challenging field.

Thanks for reading! Have a fantastic day.