Where I Go To Be Refreshed

When I’m stumped for a writing idea or I simply want a change, my inspiration and relief oftentimes comes from my fellow writers. No, not with some local group who hangs out at a nearby coffee shop talking about their latest book project, but through my personal circle of writers who also happen to be bloggers.

Lately, I’ve taken the time to visit a number of these sites and am happy to see that mostly everyone is plugging away in the blogosphere while pursuing a freelance writing career. It isn’t an easy balancing act and I did learn on Lori Widmer’s Words on the Page that one of our colleagues quit blogging when her honesty was met by wrath by some of her readers. Tess Gerritsen decided to stop blogging instead of battling with her readership, not a decision that I would make, but I wish her the best.

Who wants to fight?!

The following are some of my most recent reads, duly noted:

• All right, I haven’t read all of Lillie Ammann’s ongoing Building Long-Term Client Relationships series, but I am a frequent visitor to her blog and will certainly see what she has to say. If you’re new to freelance writing, Lillie generously dispenses advice from her blog on a regular basis, in a mentoring sort of way, something that benefits me as well. Go to her blog and bookmark it — you’ll be a frequent return visitor as am I.

• If you have young children, then you understand the importance of reading to them. But, if you want your children to learn some very good habits — let them observe you reading too. Georganna Hancock passes on some sound advice shared by Laura and Jenna Bush — I like it!

• When I could use a chuckle or if I feel a bit impish, I visit Screw You! to see what Kathy Kehrli has to say. Never a loss for words (gotcha, Kathy) I can find out which bad client is being skewered and what Craigslist job posting is being hammered. I am sure Kathy is an excellent writer, but I am just as certain that if you get on her bad side you’ll be outed on her blog. Way to go, Madelyn Wattigney!

• You know that you are an “old person” when you tell a younger colleague or protege to “pay their dues” first before pursuing their dreams. Jennifer Williamson believes otherwise and shares her experience in this area. Kudos to Jennifer — there are many negative voices out there who do not want you to succeed or are jealous because you have the moxie to pursue something on your own terms.

• Are you a sheep or are you the shepherd? I’m not talking about a Christian analogy as I know my place — baaaaa! But, when it comes to your writing, do you lead or follow? I hate to say this but plenty of what I read online is rehashed material, a variation on what has already been said. I’m not against covering a subject ad nauseum, but my stomach churns when a fresh perspective isn’t offered. The guys over at Men with Pens articulate this point well, so check out what they have to say.

Now that I am inspired, it is back to the keyboard for me!