THE most difficult task of being a writer with a life full of responsibilities. Any day where even a smidgen of writing gets done is a great day. And best of all, it's always progress.

May more time find its way to you. All my best.

Aw, thanks, Linda. Everything you said, especially the last part about writing not being an A-B-C structure and hard work, but "so worth it when you find your writing besties, because they are like gold!"

I couldn't do it without my besties! They don't tell me what I want to hear; they tell me what I need to hear. Thank you for sharing your insight and wisdom with us. Happy writing!

"Have you ever considered that you might not be practiced enough? That the critiquers aren’t being mean, but that they’re providing you truth and that there’s still more learning to do? Or, that you’re learning from others who might not be qualified enough for you to grow? That you haven’t found your best cheerleader?"

It's hard to find your way through all the advice out there—so much of which is contradictory. I wish I could hug all the new writers and tell them that just as they're learning to write, they need to learn which critiquers are their best cheerleaders. Unfortunately, it's not an A-B-C, do-it-this-way process. It's a combination of experience, gut feelings, and at times, some hard lessons. But it's so worth it when you find your writing besties, because they are like gold!

All writing counts, in my opinion, Lisa. After all, we write queries, emails asking for help, for clarification, where communication needs to be well-written; otherwise, meaning isn't clear. Sometimes, emails are great practice playgrounds for cutting out unnecessary words, using the best verbs, and so forth. 🙂

I used to go into my classroom, saying, "Are you folks, kidding me? Addressing me as 'Dude' in your emails, as in 'Hey Dude'? Writing to an English professor not caring about spelling or providing me with enough information so I need to give you a proper answer?" (It was funny, but I was on a mission teaching them about audience.)

Loved your response!! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

I totally agree with you, Vicki, that mean comments aren’t helpful—for any writer. I agree, too, that there are some critiquers, contest judges, and even reviewers who aren’t “helpful.” On the flip side, there are writers who claim they’ve received mean statements when, in fact, they didn’t. They received helpful comments but struggle with any kind of criticism, which sadly could be traced back to childhood upon further discussion.

Learning how to provide constructive criticism is just as important as learning how to receive it.

You must be intuitive because this topic is one that I'm addressing in my next post.

Thank you for your thoughtful comments.

Hugs to you, Jennifer, as a caregiver. Not an easy job and one that can drain your creative energy. Your situation takes me back to when my kids were little, when I was always exhausted but still found time to write longhand a sentence or two having a pad of paper close by. Sometimes, it could be days before I'd type up those notes, but every word recorded was worth those few minutes.

I'm happy that you saw this post as a cheerleading message for you. May you find many writing moments throughout your days.

YES, Kay, you nailed it. Sadly, I see too many new writers not understanding the work involved, thinking their first draft is all that's needed for a publisher or reader.

I remember taking piano lessons at 26 for 9 years and still unable to play for anyone other than myself. Why? Because I never practiced! Oh, those scales I had to play for the first few months! Thanks for visiting. Happy writing.