“Go to the edge of the cliff and jump off. Build your wings on the way down.” – Ray Bradbury
Dear Writers,
This week was a busy week for me. I had deadlines and reading to do. And I am making great progress on my revision.
This week was also the week of the Bad Art Friend. If you haven’t read it, there are many twists, turns, and opinions to this story, none of which I’m going to think about here.
I would rather ask: what makes a good art friend?
Are you lucky enough to have a good art friend?
A friend who listens to you.
A friend who will brainstorm with you.
A friend who is honest and authentic–about their stuff and yours.
A friend who will remind you that being a slow writer doesn’t mean you aren’t a good writer.
A friend that will read your work and tell you what is working.
A friend who will show up for you–when you need it. And maybe take a walk. Or get a coffee.
A friend who forgives your worst day.
A friend that celebrates you–when you need celebrating and when you don’t.
I bet we all have friends like that.
Because none of us do this hard work alone.
As we write, we lean on each other for help, confidence, validation, answers.
We all have good days.
We all face challenges.
Our good art friends remind us that we all have something to say–and that our journeys, which are all co-exisiting at different paces, paths, and starting spots, are ALL valid. They remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. And that when problems come–which they always do–none of us are alone.
Are you ready to reach? Stretch? Groan? Embrace the power of play?
Last week, I said: our vulnerability IS our strength.
This week: thank your GOOD art friends.
Then go to the manuscript. Who is the good friend in your story? Is there a person in your book who believes in your protagonist? Who sees the good in them, even when the protagonist is acting badly?
Take it to the journal.
In your good friend’s point of view, write about what is going on with your protagonist. Be honest. And kind. This is not a take down. Talk to this good friend. See what you can discover about your story.
And have a great writing week!