tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post3804448211778580881..comments2023-09-10T15:57:43.129+01:00Comments on Novel Racers: Support SystemsJenny Beattiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640209636605410939noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-65082341849167090722009-06-08T09:32:33.705+01:002009-06-08T09:32:33.705+01:00Sorry to be so shockingly late.
My family a suppo...Sorry to be so shockingly late.<br /><br />My family a supportive to a degree, but being 'pre' published, there's only so much support and understanding you can expect.<br /><br />My main support, and one I couldn't do without, comes from my writing/blogger friend. That's invaluable. Also the Wannabe group, other bloggers and of course, the Racers.<br /><br />And coffee. Oh so much support from coffee. Have a good week chaps.Lane Mathiashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08147122748453850264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-85917443509879504832009-06-07T18:01:15.650+01:002009-06-07T18:01:15.650+01:00Having a support system is important I think and I...Having a support system is important I think and I'm lucky that my husband is very patient! I don't get very much encouragement from my family however, but I usually just lock myself away whilst Amy's at school and hope nobody calls at the house. This house is one of those "door is always open" types and has been for many years! Not easy to turn folk away but can be rather frustrating when I'm right in the middle of good stint and someone calls for coffee!<br /><br />CJ xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-56411032864755771662009-06-07T15:28:58.635+01:002009-06-07T15:28:58.635+01:00Apologies to all fellow NRacers. I sort of took it...Apologies to all fellow NRacers. I sort of took it that you are one of my main supports, even if, like a few others, I am not the most involved Racer of all. But I do very much value your support.Flowerpothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14102679179201725732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-35561700571444581902009-06-07T01:00:56.877+01:002009-06-07T01:00:56.877+01:00A boyfriend encouraged me to stop dreaming and get...A boyfriend encouraged me to stop dreaming and get started. The relationship crashed but the writing took off. <br /><br />At first I wrote pretty much in the dark. After a couple years my son's math teacher, a closet writer himself, discovered we had this in common and we've been friends since, offering encouragement and acting as each other's first reader. I never let anyone read anything while I'm working on it, and he had to practically arm-wrestle me into letting him read my first manuscript, but now handing over the stack of pages to each other has become automatic.<br /><br />My sister has been stalwart in her belief in my work through the years and this year I co-opted her as my second first (!) reader. It was a very wise decision!<br /><br />And finally, a few years down the line and after I'd secured a publishing deal, I discovered online writers (yes, that includes the Racers!) with their wonderful understanding and support. Thank you!Liane Spicerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05035607144500219524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-32742102686038651012009-06-05T19:37:37.377+01:002009-06-05T19:37:37.377+01:00I had hoped that my mother's fancy man - a ret...I had hoped that my mother's fancy man - a retired film editor - would make a good mentor for my novel writing, but he fell asleep reading my WIP. I think it needs more work.<br /><br />Luckily I have a very good friend and fellow blogger who is astute and clever with all things writerly. Other writing friends have also been invaluable with their feedback.<br /><br />The wall is also an excellent judge of my work.Fiona Mackenzie. Writerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03669889070557241716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-9703019351623568422009-06-05T18:40:26.777+01:002009-06-05T18:40:26.777+01:00My tutor group for A363 is the best, even after it...My tutor group for A363 is the best, even after it's finished. They are very helpful and supportive and like Helen, I never would have got through without them. Although my finish wasn't quite so dramatic!<br /><br />So between them and the novel racers and other online writers (thought I'd slip in a thanks there!), I'm quite well set for support systems :)Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12523875341438470968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-39117683116018530342009-06-05T15:45:12.988+01:002009-06-05T15:45:12.988+01:00Husband
Ma
4 or 5 very close friends
My lovely new...Husband<br />Ma<br />4 or 5 very close friends<br />My lovely new local writing crit group of 5 frighteningly clever and talented women<br />Novel Racers, and a few other writing cyber-friends<br />Regular forays into The Great Outdoors of New England<br />The off-licence - or as they call it here, the package store<br />Pizza, and the occasional cupcake (hey, I'm in the USA) but also endless cups of British Blend Tetleys.KayJayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02598307484098820912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-2974980413132025752009-06-05T13:00:28.450+01:002009-06-05T13:00:28.450+01:00Good question, FP. I feel I should be clearing my...Good question, FP. I feel I should be clearing my throat here, or choking back the tears. My daughters have always treated my writing ambitions with huge respect and have supported me through thick and thin, but it's Tom, husband and critical reader extraodinaire, who does all the donkey work and red pen stuff. Running also keeps me writing; it's taught me that small steps make a long distance runner.<br /><br />I don't feel I've been the greatest NR, time gets swallowed up by other things, but I have really appreciated the support from you all during the tough times - maybe one day I will get to share the good times!Chris Stovellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03741359642268813093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-85910932005452670062009-06-05T12:31:00.209+01:002009-06-05T12:31:00.209+01:00So now I know who's nicked all the sunshine! C...So now I know who's nicked all the sunshine! Can I have it back please? Drinking Pimms on a cloudy day just isn't the same.<br /><br />I suppose I have three main support systems for my writing.<br /><br />1. My friends and family. Of course, I don't trust <i>all</i> of my friends, nor all of my family with my manuscripts, but there are enough good readers who give me encouragement and feedback.<br /><br />2. The <a title="Jane and friends..." href="http://wannabeawriter.moonfruit.com" rel="nofollow">Wannabe a Writer</a> circle and associates. We have great fun chatting on-line and with our collaborative group writing blogs. We even <a title="See our blog..." href="http://wannameetup.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">meet in real life</a> sometimes.<br /><br />3. The Novel Racers. Who? Yep, you lot. Long may it continue.<br /><br />Now I think about it, all three groups are starting to merge. I raise my glass to you all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-81076600274619505062009-06-05T11:43:02.245+01:002009-06-05T11:43:02.245+01:00Lovely post, and I too am indebted to my very own ...Lovely post, and I too am indebted to my very own Molly-dog, who endures me muttering like a bag-lady about plot-lines and structure on our twice daily walks!<br /><br />My husband is super-supportive too, and so are my family though I don't show them my work unless it's published! My blog readers and the online support from the short story group I'm part of are invaluable for feedback, encouragement and for just being there, knowing what it's like :o)Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-60235345545033059352009-06-05T11:24:11.562+01:002009-06-05T11:24:11.562+01:00I joined SoA but haven't done anything about i...I joined SoA but haven't done anything about it yet. Even if there was a support group here I couldn't travel. I rely on a couple of online groups (There are several people in a closed shop writing group on livejournal who read everything I write) and a couple of real-world friends who check for errors. One darling lady has just read all ten novels and made margin notes on them all (that's why I make single private copies on lulu. My partner DK will proof read if I beg nicely, but I'll only ask him if I ever sell another novel.Rachel Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13048590167153841615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-36994082336863422732009-06-05T11:18:33.245+01:002009-06-05T11:18:33.245+01:00Having recently finished the OU writing course A36...Having recently finished the OU writing course A363 (actually had to rush to finish the final assignment after my waters broke!) I was lucky to be invited to join a small group of critiquers as part of that, and ther help was utterly invaluable. We're hoping to keep in touch as a critique group now that the course has finished. An absolute godsend, as I'd never have managed to juggle the course and my pregnancy without their support :-)<br /><br />And despte having been the world's worst Novel Racer whilst gestating I find the support of fellow NR-ers very useful. Anyone got any tips on how to fit writing in between nappy changes? ;-)Kate.Kingsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02382512850730256227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-74461015256369897092009-06-05T10:44:28.341+01:002009-06-05T10:44:28.341+01:00I'm going to have to have a large cup of tea, ...I'm going to have to have a large cup of tea, as I've just finished hoovering and washing my floors before setting off to the shed.<br /><br />My greatest supporters are my husband, mother, and sister (such total belief in me, it helps keep me going), my aunt, an extremely knowledgable teacher and avid reader, who I can count on to be completely honest about my writing and my ideas. <br /><br />The Novel Racers, and blogger friends are such a support and always ready with a word of advice and ones that never cease to cheer me up. <br /><br />I'm a member of the RNA and there are members who are very kind and helpful, but apart from my family, my friend Chris, a wonderful writer, is always on hand with encouragement.Deborah Carr (Debs)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03223653554549707595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-90077743696128807142009-06-05T10:20:00.028+01:002009-06-05T10:20:00.028+01:00I feel I should raise a glass of wine - well it is...I feel I should raise a glass of wine - well it is after one here but about to head to gym so not a good idea :-)<br /><br />My biddest support is my husband followed my my kids and my parents. Their total belief that I will make it keeps me going when those crows hover.<br /><br />For the actual writing there is nothing like another writer and I am blessed with groups of writers that keep me going - Novel Racers being key here but most of them have come from the RNA. From the ranks of RNA I have found kindred souls, drinking buddies, devil's advocate and those people willing to go out on a limb for you - to help you become the writer you can be.<br /><br />I have to say that for all other part of my life - my husband, friends and God keep me sane and strong in my crazy life.<br />lxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02744937536946299450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143694367787566951.post-21097495216975986092009-06-05T09:50:05.330+01:002009-06-05T09:50:05.330+01:00I've had wonderful support over the years from...I've had wonderful support over the years from a number of well-known writers who have encouraged, discussed, been for drinks and generally tolerated someone like me. I won't say who as it will be too much like name dropping, but in my younger years I had no shame and would approach any writer I admired and often found they were extremely supportive.<br /><br />In more recent years I have had a huge amount of support from all the folk I've come to know through doing the OU CW courses. And just as valuable as writing support is the fact you can go to such people, have a good moan, and know they understand exactly why you are feeling sh*tty. The same goes for forums (fora?) such as this. Thanks.<br /><br />My cat Catkin (who died earlier this year) kept me company ever since the time I first got published. She was prickly soul and often wanted a cuddle at exactly the wrong moment, but was nonetheless an essential part of Team Grum.<br /><br />The most vital member of that team is my wife, Barbara. Proof reader and shoulder to cry on, someone who listens to my moans, pats me on the head and sends me back to the keyboard, who posts all my submissions, and generally puts up with me. Someone who tolerates the grumpiness of a writer and still likes him is a precious person indeed.Graeme K Talboyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00147746990011686351noreply@blogger.com