How giving away can give you back!
Generosity is key when it comes to building a writing circle.
by Leslie Cox
When I worked full-time as a credentialing director for a large health system, I subscribed to journals in my field to stay on top of never-ending changes. One morning, an ad jumped out at me, requesting volunteers to sit on an editorial board for the publisher, HCPro. It seemed like an interesting opportunity, but I convinced myself I wasn’t qualified. After giving it more thought, I decided to apply, and to my surprise, I was accepted! As a member of the board, I was asked by the publisher to contribute an article for a monthly journal. Again, my inner critic started in with the usual self-doubt talk, but I decided to give it a try. After my first article was published, I was invited to submit several more. My time on the editorial board was uncompensated and so were my article contributions, but I enjoyed this new role. Then, I was invited to publish a webinar that would pay $500. Being an introvert, I stressed over having my voice live and recorded, but I worked hard to prepare for it,and the webinar was a success.
Soon after, I sat on a patio in Sedona, when out of the blue I received an email asking if I would write a guidebook for the publisher. They would provide everything—editing, cover design, publishing, marketing, etc., and I would receive royalties from the book! And this led to a public speaking engagement at a national conference. So, do you see a pattern here? Every time I said “Yes,” it led to an even greater opportunity, and finally one that paid off.
After letting it sink in that I was a published author, I started signing up for writers’ workshops, webinars, and conferences to learn more about the craft. I subscribed to writers’ magazines, collected too many books on the writing process, built a website and started a blog. I just finished a memoir, after four years of hard work, and have sent it to an editor. I don’t know if it will ever be published, but through this learning process, I’ve been able to connect with other writers about the challenges and rewards of writing, and my literary friends are always generous with advice, encouragement, and helping me believe in myself.
In my attempt to give back, I’ve become a critique partner through a community called More to the Story, a book reviewer for Women on Writing, and a member of the POP Anthology Team. I’ve joined networks of writers through social media channels and associations like the National Association of Memoir Writers, Women in Publishing, Creative Non-Fiction Community, and others. Opportunities to volunteer always spark my interest, so I’m considering the Tucson Book Festival in March.
Being an introvert, I’m not a fan of competition. But I’ve learned there is no competition between artists! I am the best me, and you are the best you. Artists help each other nurture growth and success. If there is one positive thing that grew from the pandemic, it was the ability to make connections online with people I otherwise might never have met. I’ve made new friends through Shut Up and Write, friends I can relate with. And this has more value than any paying job. So, the next time an opportunity pops into your email…Just say “YES!”