Jenny,

That’s why I put my caveat up front about not liking the metaphor, in general. To me it suggests no one deserves full credit for their often very hard work simply because they asked for advice or received some emotional support. I strongly believe in cooperation and community support, but these should never be thought to diminish the work of the person that earned them.

I’m sure that’s not what you intended to suggest, but that meme nevertheless has this connotation attached to it.

Jerold, we love it when people offer differing opinions as long as they are respectful about it (and we appreciate that you mostly were). Diverse viewpoints offer a richer discussion, which is never a bad thing.

For myself, I like having a village. It keeps me accountable and broadens my view. But that's just me. I'm an extrovert so the solitude of writing gives me angst without a network of people to support and challenge me toward creating a better book.

Thanks for taking time to comment!

Most of the relationships you mention-especially critique groups and Beta readers, are invaluable resources-people helping each other to be better writers. Other resources, such as professionals writers seek out for research are only that-helpful, cooperative resources. But in the end it is the writer who must write, the writer who has a specific message they want to share, the writer who must recognize the importance of doing the research (due diligence), and the writer who must Read, write, practice, and hone their skills.

Moral support and cooperation by others is, yes, a great and wonderful thing. I have been fortunate, and I wish it for everyone. But there are many great, accomplished writers who have fought their way to write their stories without any of it. So not only does it not take a village, but so many would-be writers who have all these resources around them, only fail in the area where it matters most: the gut-wrenching determiniation to succeed.

So what it takes more than anything else is determination and hard work. And those are the hardest things to come by.

Right??

Jenny - Yeah! Especially the bad guys . . .

I am a researcher at heart, so I always check my facts.

denise

Oh, I’m so happy the timing worked out!

Thank you for sharing your experience!