There’s an app. for that.

I had a coming out party on Substack and no one showed up! It’s the story of my life🤣 I suck at making literary friends.

Why would I want literary friends?

Networking

In the business world it’s who we know. It’s about networking. The same is true in the publishing industry. The more contacts you have the better your chances of selling your book. However, I am not just interested in business acquaintances, but true lasting friendships.

Learning the Craft

We learn from others, the ones who paved the way. I do not have a degree in English Lit, in fact, I did not excel in English in grammar school. By trade I am a kitchen designer turned writer, with an insatiable appetite for learning the craft of writing. I need to surround myself with those who can provide the information for me to grow.

Comradery

As an introvert, who finds fulfillment from writing, I get lonely at times. My husband isn’t interested in my musings, so we do not discuss my passion. Blogging on WordPress has and continues to be I great tool to shape my stories. Facebook and Instagram are amazing places to share with others. But these communities are not necessarily a great place to meet the friends who will help me accomplish my publishing goals.

Substack

I am lacking a spirit of friendship within a community of those who share my enjoyment and hope to grow an audience. Substack is a newsletter platform that lets independent writers publish directly to their audience and get paid through subscriptions. My intention with Substack is to use it as a tool to grow. It is place to gather email addresses of those who are interested in my content. Essentially, when a writer builds their audience with an email list, then they have an audience to peddle their work.

Now for free you can join me at Substack and/or if you prefer subscribe below on WordPress.

Why am I struggling to make literary friends?

Complacency

Writing is a solitary activity and it’s easy to become complacent. My goal in life is to continue to grow, not just spiritually, but as a well-rounded individual. The problem I have is that I have found peace from within and it’s keeping me from building new relationships.

Work

With complacency the ugly trait of laziness rears her ugly head. I spin my wheels writing my blog posts and do not engage with others. To make friends it’s not just about sharing our stories, but reaching out with others and showing interest. This practice takes intention. It’s how we build a lasting friendship.

I Am A Flawed Woman

I am not a perfectionist, but use perfectionism as an excuse. My insecurities keep me from seeing a task through and accomplish my writing goals. I am also afraid of failure, not so much of personal failure, but how others view my efforts.

The solution to make literary friends.

I still have more recovery work to do (actually it’s a lifelong journey). The stronger I am on the inside, the more productive I will be moving towards my goals. Patience, another character flaw, tells me I should be further ahead. When what I really need to do is to slow down, continue to take baby steps, be intentional with others and wait on God’s timing.

My friendships will develop overtime and eventually I will see the fruits of my labor.

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV

What am I looking for in a literary friend?

A Friend Who Offers Grace

If you receive a notification from Substack from me, it is a newsletter. I will continue to blog (weekly) on WordPress and add a newsletter on Substack. So each of my subscribers should be receiving two correspondences from me. I am struggling with the process and am need of grace as I move forward.

A Friend Who Doesn’t Dominate A Conversation

We all have busy lives and although I enjoy hearing from my friends, I don’t need a play-by-play. I will do my best to respect your time and not bombard your email. Personally, I get overwhelmed with those who are overly eager to share. I am more interested in pointed, direct posts.

Thoughtful Dialogue

Another flawed trait I have is a short attention span. I could contribute this to killing off brain cells one-by-one during my active alcohol abuse or simply I lose interest easily. When a post is thoughtfully composed and informative you will win over my affections.

Thank you for your time. Please read my Obituary if you would like to learn more about myself. And, please consider subscribing to either my WordPress blog

And/or support my Substack for free!