Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! To join click HERE!
I am not sure of other people's experience with "new" writers. When I say that it isn't from a place of looking down on them, I mean it as someone who has yet to finish a piece of writing fully. Someone who has written, but maybe is not clued into the writing world.
I've had several times where someone has come to me and asked me opinions on writing. I remember what it was like for me when I had asked others for advice. Sometimes their words were not so much helpful as they were overwhelming and sometimes crushing.
I always managed to push past and I think that is probably true for most people, but I tend to keep it in mind when I dish out advice. To me it is very important to keep the person writing, it is the only way they get better. I try to point out the good things and fun things and the stuff about writing that can really make it worth it.
The other day a friend came to me and I have known them for quite some time. They have mirrored my journey through writing in a lot of ways, only they have not made that step to really dedicate themselves to it.
This person made some comments about writing that were basically alluding to the fact that they might as well do that because it would be easier than what they were doing with their life. Now anyone who does this seriously knows one thing is never said about the writing process—"It is easy".
It is pretty grueling at times and can take a lot out of you. Not even just finishing a piece of work, but getting it out there and keeping yourself and your work relevant in people's minds. I was torn between 'setting them straight' and what I normally do. In the end I decided that I knew this person well enough to give a little hard truth.
I guess my question for this month's IWSG is, how do you go about giving advice and when do you take the kid gloves off?
As always, have fun and keep writing.
