Author of Middle Grade novels about friendship, family, and figuring out where you fit in.

Monday, June 23, 2014

What Would We Do Without Our Friends?

Sharing a book with the world can be a scary thing. You've worked so hard on it, and then it's time to release it into the wild. It's out of your hands.

But something that makes publishing a book much less scary is the support of friends and family. I'm so grateful for the people in my life, for the encouragement they've provided and enthusiasm they've shown. I couldn't do it without them. (Which is why my acknowledgements section is so long -- a lot of people have helped me on this journey!)

I'm also very thankful for my fellow writers. My blog and Twitter buddies have helped me in many ways: providing feedback, cheering me on, giving advice, and overall reminding me that writing does not have to be solitary. We can share this process instead of feeling lonely.

Two writer friends in particular have been super generous and have featured WISHING FOR WASHINGTON on their blogs:

- Jemi Fraser, who is always above and beyond sweet and always does so much for others. She's been such a lovely friend and is such a positive presence in the online writing world. Everyone who knows her can agree -- and if you don't know her, please go check out her blog!

- Beth Fred, who has beta read for me and provided really good feedback. She's also someone I can talk to about whatever's going on in my life, and who has given me great insight into the indie publishing world. She's always kind enough to feature other writers on her blog and has some thoughtful posts, so I also recommend checking out her blog!

A giant Thank You to many others who have tweeted, shared on Facebook, added on Goodreads, and all the other amazing things you guys do! I appreciate every single thing. Really.

* While we're talking promotion, I am eager to feature more MG and YA books on my blog, so if you or someone you know is interested in promoting your/their book, just comment or send me an email. *

So tell me, in what ways have your friends (or family or writing community) been helpful or invaluable to you?

7 comments:

Jemi Fraser said...

Awwww -thanks Shelley! So glad to be able to spread the word about your great book! :)

Cherie Reich said...

I don't know what we writers would do without the friends and family who support us. The writing itself may be more solitary, but everything else about publishing is far from it.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

You're absolutely right; we ALL get by with a little help from our friends, but writers, most of all. The online community is amazing.

Talking about amazing, your book's story sounds terrific. Good luck with it!

Stephanie Faris said...

Fellow writers are so supportive. Congratulations on doing so well with your promotion!

Nick Wilford said...

Friends make everything feel better. I've taken a quantum leap in confidence about my writing since I began blogging!

Misha Gerrick said...

I know what you mean. I would have taken much longer to get books done if it wasn't for all the friends I met through blogging. :-)

Kelly Polark said...

I agree. Jemi is such a supportive friend!! Hope your book is doing well!!

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