The Generous Writing Community

And why you should adopt an abundance mentality.

Congratulations to Allen Brenneman for winning April’s book giveaway!! Thank you for being a paid subscriber!

This month, I’ll be giving away a copy of my friend Annie Cathryn’s novel, The Friendship Breakup. Become a paid subscriber to be considered!

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The Generosity of Writers

After years in competitive workspaces, I am thrilled to be free of the back-biting and full-on into the generosity of the writing community. It’s refreshing. And reminds me that all the underhanded stabbing is a choice.

As I packaged Woman of Valor, my forthcoming novel, I was surprised, touched, honored and humbled by the outpouring of support and frankly, love, from other writers. Not one person slammed a metaphorical door in my face.

I joined the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, rejoined American Society of Journalists and Authors and became a board member for Michigan Writers, all in an effort to connect with other writers and construct a community to support my creative endeavors. Person after person shares advice, links, resources and more!

When it was time to seek out blurbs from established, renowned writers for my novel, I was nervous. I could understand if someone said no because they were too busy. But what if, upon reading the manuscript, they deemed it unworthy of endorsement or worse - awful?

Five generous writers - Rochelle Weinstein, Ly Tran, Tammy Pasterick, Nancy Sharp and Barbara Stark-Nemon - read the book and wrote gushing blurbs for Woman of Valor. These are busy women, with their own book projects. Families and friends and communities command their attention. Some are juggling side projects or volunteering or have other jobs entirely.

And they made time for my words.

I mean, I can’t even. Right?

I chose these authors because I admire their talent. Because they are accomplished. And, truly great people. But I never expected a blanket sure I’ll do it, and certainly not the kinds of endorsements that literally made me cry with joy.

Meet these amazing authors at my virtual launch party on September 26th. Register to attend here. I’ll be giving away a copy of each of their books!

Writing can be an isolating activity, and there is no ready-made cheerleading squad rooting for you. You have to create your community. You have to put yourself out there, even if you’re naturally an introvert or really like the comfort of your couch. I attended the Women in Publishing Summit earlier this year just to meet other writers, and I made some friends out of it. In a few weeks, I’m going on a writers retreat as a participant to meet other writers (and do research for my next book, which is set in Scotland).

Get out. Meet people. Go beyond your comfort zone. It’s essential to building a writing career.

And that thing about generosity - it IS a choice. Some people believe in abundance and some cling to a scarcity mentality. When I worked in PR & Marketing full-time, I knew there was enough work for all the folks in my field. I couldn’t possibly handle all the clients needing representation, and I likely wasn’t a fit for all of them, anyway. It made sense to be friends with my competitors, so we could refer work to each other and everyone could do well.

The University of Washington medical school has an article about shedding a scarcity mindset, which says the following:

“An abundance mindset is when you believe there are plenty of resources for everyone. A scarcity mindset is when you believe resources are limited. A scarcity mindset causes hyperfixation, leads to short-term coping instead of long-term problem-solving, and increases jealousy and stress.”

The writers I know believe there is room for all of our beautiful books in this world. So there’s no harm in touting each other’s titles. And actually, a lot of good can come from doing so.

Not only do you build up someone else - you end up feeling GREAT for bringing attention to writers you admire and like. Everybody wins.

So please, buy Rochelle’s books and Ly’s book and Nancy’s books and Tammy’s book and Barbara’s books. Buy the heck out of them and gift them to everyone you know.

With gratitude and love to all writers,

Lynne