Every once in awhile I get an email that reminds me why I write books about writing. Below is one of those emails. The message also makes me hope that this blog might be a way for writers to meet other writers and connect. Happily the Comment section is once again open, so please comment if you're looking for an email penpal buddy. Writing is such a solitary (and peculiar) occupation that we really need to surround ourselves with a posse of other writers. This is one of the best things that can come out of taking a writing class or workshop – meeting other writers. But if you're not in a class or workshop, leave a comment.
For the last year and a half I've fed my head that writing (esp. poetry) would get me through to another life. A gift of your book 365 days of Inspiration and Encouragement IS. My most recent life closed when the only person I knew for 45 years passed away (they softly say). I'm 88. I'd like to meet others who love to write. That is my current "risk."
I'm SO glad to see the comments section is open again, Barbara. And to the poet who wrote, I'd just like to say that there is a world of camaraderie out there thanks to the Internet.
I live in a very isolated place and ended up joining a couple of venues: one is the Internet Writing Workshop, which has numerous lists depending on the writer's interest. (There is a poetry List), by the way http://internetwritingworkshop.org/ and the other is to reach out to other poets (writers) through their blogs. A few I like: Writing our way home, Marge Piercy's blog, and a few I discovered through a January Mindful Writing challenge.
I hope some of this helps fill the void I know you are feeling. But through writing we work our way through the grief. Namaste.
Posted by: sarah corbett morgan | April 22, 2013 at 04:51 PM
Oh, how wonderful that the comments section is open again! It was always so frustrating for a big-mouthed and worded person like me to leave here without saying anything so great was the inspiration --
Posted by: Elizabeth Aquino | April 22, 2013 at 11:47 PM
Hearing from and connecting to other writers is certainly a great source of energy and hope after living in your own solitary world. Just having a conversation about the process of our writing is enough to let us know that we're not the only ones leading a double life!
Posted by: Frank | April 23, 2013 at 09:38 AM
Connecting with another writer gives encouragement and that little push to keep writing
Posted by: Teresa Richardson | April 23, 2013 at 10:21 AM
So lucky to be part of a group of writers that I met through one of Barbara's workshops even though they meet in California and I live in Alabama (for the time being). They are still my writing group and always will be.
Posted by: Laura B | April 23, 2013 at 10:45 AM
Hi Sarah - Thanks so much for the info.
Elizabeth - Yes, it felt very silent without the comments!
Frank - Yes, connection does make energy!
Teresa - Yes - and ditto from above.
Laura - We miss you!
Posted by: Barbara Abercrombie | April 24, 2013 at 03:11 PM
I'm lapping up the possibilities with the comments from all of you: Sarah (Busy ideas), Elizabeth, Frank, Teresa, Laura. I'm very new to all this and I thank you.
Posted by: Lois D'Asaro | April 24, 2013 at 08:58 PM
And thanks to Barbara for the introduction of all of you Commenters and Writers.
Posted by: Lois D'Asaro | April 24, 2013 at 09:16 PM
How wonderful that Barbara makes this possible. I think Sarah's comment is inspirational and all writers should take it to heart!
Posted by: Ruth Morvay | April 25, 2013 at 08:13 PM
Lois - Thanks for the inspiration for this post.
Ruth - Thank you.
Posted by: Barbara Abercrombie | April 26, 2013 at 10:16 AM