Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Thursday's Children ~ Inspiration April 25th.

Where do I find inspiration? The weekly theme of Thursday's Children Hosted by: Rhiann Wynn-Nolet http://rhiannwynnnolet.com/ Join us!

From my beta readers/CP's!!
-because we're flexible like that.

Guess it was two years ago in July that I found Jeff and Jennifer on Krista Van Dolzer's blog, Mother Write Repeat. Krista wrote about beta readers and how many writers were having difficulty finding writer buddies in their own genres.

Being in this boat myself, with my writing friends not writing my genre--they were great and very encouraging--but not MG readers, not even YA. I even had trouble finding beta readers with the list SCBWI sent me. And I live in NYC! I finally realized, and it took awhile, sometimes you’ve just got to create what isn't there.

I snagged a couple forlorn writers within Krista’s comment stream, and we created the #MGbetareaders (look for us on twitter) Found a few more on twitter, and then a friend of a friend, and it snowballed. Now 24 members strong, they inspire me everyday.

Some have recently found agents. Some have sworn off writing, only to be on the road to an agent/publisher by the next email. Others get down, or overburdened and remind me we all feel this--not just me. I let the feeling sorry for myself bug vanish when I hear their stories. Or any writer’s story for that matter—We need stories! Damn they’re helpful.

Being 'sensitive' types, guided and sometimes driven by our emotions. It's great when they check in with their fears, hopes-- and contests to share!
Love each and every one of you: Akoss, Ella, Becky, Melanie, Jean, Jennifer, Annie, April, Ashley, Chris, Jeff, Devon, Dana, Jay, Heidi, Ki-wing, Paul, Gail, Rebecca, Rebekah, Rebecca, and Ronnie--an Awesome, Amazing, and Generous team. Go Team! Some are rocking the CampNaNo.
So, get down—in your seats--and keep writing! 
You sure inspire me to NEVER stop!  XO  


14 comments:

Unknown said...

Aw, it's so cool to have friends who share your interests and can relate to you! You're right- we need each others stories!

Shanah said...

Great post and inspiring in its own right. I will definitely check out your twitter group...I've been noticing though that I really just need to write for awhile, or my need for beta readers will definitely be moot. Thanks for sharing your inspiration and insight!

Dannie Morin said...

Krista's blog is awesome, isn't it? Love her!

I've seen your hashtag floating around the twitterverse, a great idea! I don't write MG but will encourage one of my CPs to check it out, as she does.

Great post, Karen! CPs are such a hugely important part of staying inspired during the tough times!

Dannie @ Left to Write

jessika fleck said...

Love this! I have one main CP and I don't know what I'd do without here!

I also have several friends/beta readers who are THE BEST!

Lovely post <3

Kate Frost said...

It is so important to have the support of writing friends who understand all the ups and downs of being a writer - so great that you're part of a group like that.

Mia Celeste said...

I'm with you. It's great to have writing friends and critique partners.


http://otherworlddiner.blogspot.com/2013/04/inspired-by-remarkable-unusual-and-true.html

Joan Reginaldo said...

This is such a pick-me-up right now. My support group (in terms of writing) consists of my Beta readers and writing group. They get it. My family doesn't, and I used to think that was a major weakness to me. Now I know it doesn't matter, as long as I can find people to share with. Key phrase is to find people, not give up.

staceylee said...

What a great story - I will have to check out that hashtag. Must be nice to have such a large pool of reliable readers to choose from (who are friends, no less). Thank you for sharing that.

K. L. Hallam said...

Thanks for all the comments. I've been in a writing/revision cave today--but I will make my rounds to all of the Thursday's children. XOX

at least before the weekend's up. I've read some amazing and inspiring stories already. :)

K. L. Hallam said...

And the update is that two MORE of our beta's got agents just yesterday. A lot of excitement in our group.

They help me dream a little higher. <3

Anonymous said...

Your turn will come! I think it's no coincidence that I wrote my first two books in a "void" and didn't get an agent, but with the help of CPs/betas my third book did the trick :)

Anonymous said...
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K. L. Hallam said...

Thanks Rhiann! :))

Chris Allen-Riley said...

I love that you created your own group and ended up creating a writing family!