Watching Jessica Fletcher on “Murder, She Wrote,” I remember so many times when she needed her solitude to finish this story or that difficult scene. She made the occupation seem rather isolated. And she was a traditionally published author – albeit a fictitious one. (Is “Castle” the same way?)
The very label of independently published author sounds like someone in this occupation is a hermit, holed away with a keyboard and an internet connection. Happily, I’m learning how incorrect that assumption is.
While I do write my stories on my own, I’m not left all alone. I’ve had a number of outstanding critique partners who urge me to keep writing and challenge me to improve in everything I write. My current critique partners – we are the three amigas 🙂 – not only meet together to go through our unique story sections, but they also help with brainstorming, marketing ideas, and even new projects.
If you’re a reader, know that many books (and all of mine) have had input from several other readers and authors as well as professional editors and proof-readers. If you’re an author, and you’re trying to do everything by yourself, consider joining a critique group or looking online for others wanting input on their writing as well.
There’ll be more about the “isolation” of writing coming soon.
You Turn: Who is the better author: (I know they are pretend, but play along!) Jessica Fletcher or Rick Castle?
Marji Laine 