There’s nothing quite like company that encourages me, sees something special in my writing. Sometimes an appreciative reader spots something I’m completely unaware of, or helps me develop ideas by their own response to a character.
Sometimes my companions give me space, time to write, gifts I cannot appreciate enough. Sometimes they’re artists themselves, offering up ideas, a spark of insight, which becomes a story, a poem, or a line of dialogue. Our best moments are when we inspire each other, bouncing ideas off each other, trying to catch them and transform them into something which grows and grows beyond what we originally intended.
Alas, there are companions who don’t like my writing, feel certain I’m wasting my time. Such an individual or group can inform me or others with great conviction why I am a waste of time, how I fall short of their expectations, and my sales are so very miniscule. Others can make a witty joke about my work, or me.
A clever writing can exploit the criticism, turn opposition into a source of inspiration. I’ve seen some creative ways other artists have turned insults and bigotry into marketing tools. Once I was impressed enough to buy the book, simply due to this creativity.
It can be very tiring, dealing with constant opposition. This is why support is so important. There’s nothing quite like encouraging company, people who believe in us, support us, and love us.
For all of you who do; thank you very much for being there.