Our topic for February is: “Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn’t around anymore? Anyone you miss?”
After being in the writing biz for almost 35 years (!), I owe a lot of people a lot of things, especially the members of my critique group who’ve always encouraged, inspired, and sometimes kicked my butt when I needed it. But I never would have met any of them if not for one special person, someone who saw an article in our local paper in July of 1987 about a romance writer working at home with two preschoolers underfoot.
When she invited me to be a speaker at a local Romance Writers of America meeting, I had never met another writer, had never shared my work with someone. Orysia Earhart introduced me to My People! More than that, she became critiquer, idea sounding board, as well as chauffeur, dragging me all over the state to writing events and book signings (me, the confirmed hermit!). She introduced me to the core group that would become my PoTL critique group. And then . . . she moved. Not just across the state, but across the country! To Seattle for her husband’s job! This was long before online chats or Zoom or any kind of social media at all. There was email (in its infant stage) and long-distance calls that became fewer and farther between. Until there was just silence. I continued as a writer, growing from those baby steps she pushed me to make. She’d stopped. And we lost touch.
You never forget that first kindred soul who “gets you.” But sometimes you forget how important an influence they had on your life. Thanks, IWSG for reminding me! And thanks OBEwan, for being there when I needed that push!
Because my writer friends taught me how to be pushy when it comes to my work (normally, I prefer to hide in my office getting lost in my current chapter), I’ll toot my own horn about a February sale (and a great belated Valentine’s Day gift for the romantic in your life!) . . .
Published: September 30, 2014
Length: 178 Pages
Now, I’m off to enjoy your answers . . . Happy Writing!!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the February 2nd posting of the IWSG will be Joylene Nowell Butler, Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, and Lee Lowery!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
That's great that Orysia was such a great support to you. Too bad you two lost touch but that happens sometimes, especially when people move and lives get busy.
ReplyDeleteShe had two kids going into college. That'll do it.
DeleteSorry you lost touch but she was there when you needed her and pushed you to achieve more.
ReplyDeleteTiming is everything . . . and just the push I needed!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this heartwarming story about the woman who stepped up to the plate to help you get started. It is wonderful.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Thanks, Pat! We all need that someone to give us a well meaning shove now and again.
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your mentor! I miss my Olympia, WA RWA group so much, though we still keep in touch via monthly online meetings. Even as the RWA mothership crumbles, those online connections continue to support and inspire.
ReplyDeleteI wish you happy writing in February.
No kidding. It's a precarious time for writers seeking connections. Glad I made this one!
DeleteLove that story. I hope she reads this.
ReplyDeleteYou never know!
DeleteI remember Orysia! Love seeing the throwback pictures! Oh, the memories! And, what a wonderful day to be looking out...and writing. ;) I just looked her up; she's on Facebook if she's living in Bainbridge Island in Washington.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Di. I didn't know she was on social media. Wasn't her thing back then.
DeleteHow wonderful to have/had an Orysia in your life.
ReplyDeleteWe all need one to get us motivated to take that precarious step.
DeleteIt is always bittersweet to look back on those lost connections. I hope she knows how much she meant to you. ❤️
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too.
DeleteIt is sad to lose contact with someone who made such an impact on your writing life. I had someone like that too. He was the owner of a local community newspaper. He published my first article and he encouraged me to write for him and to work on my fiction. Later, I became an editor of his newspaper. I worked as his editor for over a year. It wasn't a paid job - nobody who wrote or edited for that newspaper got paid, and the paper was free to readers too - but it was a great school of writing for me. I learned so much from that man, I can never overestimate his influence on me as a writer and journalist. But, alas, we lost touch.
ReplyDeleteYou never lose touch when you carry all he taught you!
DeleteWhat a great tribute to your mentor. Perhaps your season with her has passed, but what a wonderful treasure she left with you. We could all use an Orysia in our lives.
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteIsn't it wonderful how the right person shows up at the right time in life?
ReplyDeleteAnd when you're not even looking!
DeleteHow wonderful that you found each other just when you needed it. And what a shame you lost touch.
ReplyDeleteSigh . . . I know.
DeleteOh no! I'm sorry to hear about Orysia! Did you track her down on Facebook? I hope that one day, you both can reunite. I'm so happy that she was around and that you found your People. Yes! I know that feeling and I quite love it!
ReplyDeleteShe's not a FB kinda person. We lost one of our critique partners to a move to AZ but we still keep in touch, so it isn't just the distance, it's the desire to connect.
DeleteI absolutely hate networking and promoting myself. I'd rather do just about anything else. Unfortunately I can't afford to hire a promotion team, so I'm what I'm stuck with.
ReplyDeleteI've lost touch with so many people over the years. I don't really have anyone I can call a friend, only a couple of friendly acquaintances.
It's so true how life can get in the way of writing friendships. Thank goodness you had her at that point in your career. I love the newspaper clippings. Yep! That was me--except it was 5 kids always needing my attention.
ReplyDeleteDana’s book sounds intriguing. All the luck with this release. And all best to you, Nancy!
What a blessing to have had her in your life!
ReplyDeleteI hope you remind us in a WeWriWa post that your book is on sale. (hint hint). :-)
I remember Orysia. She was an enthusiastic helper to new writers. Thanks for reminding me of such a great person.
ReplyDelete