The Importance of a Good Writing Support Group.

As a writer you don't have a person (manger, boss, supervisor) directing your steps, over seeing your progress, and encouraging you along. You are all of those people and more because you are the writer, the editor and, if you're like me, your worst critic. That voice of reason that often wants to believe, I have what it takes to make it but just as often thinks I don't know if I can do this.

That's where your ultra-dynamic support group comes in. If you don't have one, you need to get one. I'm not talking your hubby, sister, mother, best friend, although those people are important. What I mean are the girls or guys that have been or are going through your same situation. The ones who understand the frustrations, doubts, and fears that come with writing because they are writers.  

These people will be your core, your go to supporters in a moment or several moments of weaknesses. Now I'm not saying they should swoop in and fix all the problems with your novel, just that they should be there to give you a pick-me-up. Whether it be a quick text, email, inspirational quote, smiley face, whatever, as long as it's something that lets you know you are believed in by someone who has read your work and knows your talent.  

I am blessed with an amazing support group, who are also my critique group. But let me tell you it didn't just happen. All too often, fear creeps up on me with a mounting list of "What if's." When that happened a year ago, after finding this amazing group, I quit. Yep. You read that right, I quit. When it got tough instead of accepting their support, I bailed. For one, I thought I sucked, even though they repeatedly told me I didn't. And for two, I thought I was bringing them down, holding them back.

But a funny thing happened. As I continued to struggle to find my way in the writing world, I kept looking to them for help and answers, and, you know what, they kept giving it. I took it as a sign that I needed to get off my self-doubt rocker, pull my big girl panties up, and get back in the game. And when I begged to be let back in the group, they didn't give me hard time. They accepted me—once again.

Now that's what I'm talking about by having a good support group. The right people that not only see your potential but also don't let you give up on you, when you give up on yourself.

If you have a fabulous writers support group in your life, today I encourage you to thank them for all they do, have done, and will continue to do. After all—if they are as good as my group—in between their hectic life schedules they take time to read your work, meet with you, and add you and the importance of your stories to their life, all for the love of writing! That certainly deserves a major shout out!

So here is mine. 

Larissa Hardesty, Christy Farley, and Jessica Souders you girls are the bomb. I feel blessed to have you in my life and thank you for all the work you have done for me and all the work you will continue to do. **sinister laugh** Just Kidding!  But not really!  LOL!

I'd love to hear about your group, how they are dynamic, what makes them dynamic, and how they help you continue to write. Also, if you can give tips to other writers who are in search of that special group, please post those below—for that is half the battle.

Some helpful sites I've found are,

                                http://www.squidoo.com/onlinewritersgroupsreview

                                http://www.verlakay.com/boards/index.php

                                http://www.scbwi.org/

Tomorrow is Friday! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!