Scripture says “love your enemies” and I try to do that. This week’s story, however, is just the opposite. My “enemies” have taken a turn at loving me in a HUGE way.
Contest season is upon us in the writing world, and it somehow makes us closer friends. We pull together to encourage, laugh, and commiserate. We swap writing samples. The red pens come out with a vengeance.
Which is an interesting twist, considering we’re all competing against each other. The goal of the upcoming contests is to highlight those writers who stand out. However, all writers are banding together to help make other writers’ stories better. How cool is that??
This week (I won’t even tell you how recently, but it might have been tonight), I had a meltdown about writing a synopsis. I find it painful–no, excruciating–to cram my entire book into one page. How can I possibly showcase every nuance, character depth, and creative twist? Well, I can’t. I have to choose which of my baby’s ten toes get to stay and then throw the rest away. Not really, but that’s how it feels sometimes.
But out of this experience comes the best part of my writing journey–FRIENDS. Without even begging for help, I’ve had other writer friends check in to see if I needed help, ask how the submissions were going, and talk me through meltdowns and frustrations. All so I could add to the competition against them.
Let me tell you, there’s something about my friends. Either they’re crazy… or they’re awesome. Probably both. But either way, they have been gifts from God. Where else can you find a group of people who understand your quirks (and even share a few), care about your make-believe characters, and actually help you along a very arduous journey? I’m blown away by the graciousness, the helpful spirit, of each of my writing friends.
I believe writers make the BEST friends. Final answer.
Special thanks to Carol for putting up with me today as I scramble to get several entries ready, whining and freaking out at the same time. 🙂
Awww!!! Anytime!! And not like you’ve ever talked me off the synopsis/contest/submission/I’m-gonna-quit-writing ledge before ;).
Plus you held my hand [via text, but still] today while I hit send :D.
Glad to do it! Who ever said writing is a lonely occupation… well they were just wrong. 🙂
Ha ha!! Agreed! ; ) How many ledges have I been on again?
I love being your enemy..I mean… friend. 🙂 Anytime I can help you, just let me know!! Thanks for including me on such an amazing list. I am blessed by your friendship and encouragement, too!
Stacey, I’m so blessed to be able to count you among my crit partners and writing buddies. You have a gift for encouragement and a genuine heart. Plus you’re fun 🙂
There is no such thing as an enemy when the ultimate goal is to have another book on the shelf that glorifies Christ. If that’s the case, I hope you beat me in every contest there is. (Plus, you’re pretty amazing at giving helpful critique AND support through prayers as well!) I think one of our crit partners said it best when she stated: “It’s not all just writing – we’re going through life together!” Praise God for frenemies! Love you, dearest one!
Oh Kristy, even your comments are eloquent! You are SUCH a gifted writer, and a godly example. I’m so glad to be going through life with all of you girls!! 🙂 And what a perfect word–frenemies! 🙂 <3
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