Writers are a unique breed—as are editors and publishers.
Regardless of your role in the industry, you never cease growing. Each day brings about some level of growth, albeit in the form of revisions, rejections, acceptance letters, offers to buy your book, and interaction with peers.
I believe I learn more from my clients than they could ever dream of learning from me. Each client is like my child—a member of my family. I love each of my children the same, but in different ways. This is true of my relations with clients. Without a level of care and genuine concern, we’re all running in place with no hope of progress.
Growth takes us to areas never before explored or into venues of which we’ve lost sight. Growth is positive in the face of negativity. In fact, even the negative aspects of the industry present opportunities for growth.
Growth also leads to maturity. And we all know that maturity brings about mature events, including writing projects. Just as a toddler cannot pass Algebra, a new writer cannot expect to attain big, high-paying projects. All of this comes only with growth.
How can you grow?
Interaction is the most effective way to maturity in this industry. Interaction comes in a number of ways, including joining writing groups and receiving professional feedback and critiques of your work.
If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a rejection letter, you know that growth is to a writer as a hammer is to a carpenter. Without it, your craft is dead.
Growth is more than knowledge—it is feeling, understanding, crafting.
To interact with others in the industry, consider visiting the Red Writing Hood Ink forum.
Until next time … happy writing!
