Far from flying solo

Society seems to think that writing is a completely isolated medium. I would have to disagree. Successful writing is actually, to my mind, inextricably intertwined with other people.

There are multiple relationships that the writer has to take into account. The first circle of influence is often described in terms of the professional : Agents, publishers, editors, audiences. Typically these are the relationships that a writer considers in networking or platform-building.

But there are other relationships that come into play in the formative years of a manuscript, long before you even meet your first agent. These are the people that populate the background of our "solo" endeavour, keeping the wheels turning for us even in our moments of lunacy and/or occasional selfishness.

There is The Flagship. Everyone has one. Spouses, mothers, best friends. Typically only one person can pull this off for me. My mom - aside from teaching me to read and write at an early age - also plays the advocate for me in everything I do. Whether it's vying against my siblings for use of the laptop, or reminding me to eat before going to work after a particularly involved writing session. She is the steadfast supporter in word and deed.

Then there are The Trusted Critics. These are typically limited to one or two and usually people you're already close to, who understand your voice, your goals. When they see flaws in your work, they can be honest without attacking you, and your work becomes stronger for it. Growth is their aim, so even when a beloved plot point takes a beating, you can handle it. My younger sister, Natalia, can make the most crippling blow to a character sound less daunting to fix. Think pruning, rather than curb-stomping.

The Muses are often the most fun, which can be dangerous. They light creative fires, ask questions, froth at the mouth to read your stuff. I keep this circle limited, too, because some Muses may actually be just fans in disguise. They have never written a book and have no idea what it takes to make a good one. They will praise you within an inch of your life.  But when you find a true Muse, one who measures AND inspires genuinely, it can make the difference between your manuscript and the non-proverbial flames. My cousin/writing buddy has been this for me many times, as have other friends.

I could think of so many more people, which would risk this post turning into something from Miss America, but you get the drift. Writers DO spend an awful lot of time in physical solitude, but it's in those hours at a  screen or legal pad when we are actually farthest from being alone.