“Writing might be a solitary profession, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be so. As editor of Fast Fiction over the past few years I’ve slowly become aware of a vast and intricate network which writers use to support themselves. Not financially, but with constructive criticism of each other’s work, news about who’s buying what and when, writing tips and simple friendly chat. It was odd, but barely would I begin buying stories for a particular issue of the magazine, than contributors from Cornwall to Cairns would seem to know. It was uncanny. And I think I was all the more shocked because I’m a man. I believe this spirit of cooperation and support is a mostly female phenomenon, an immensely positive thing which gives women short fiction writers quite an edge over their male counterparts. I hope to bring you more news on this informal network in future issues. But certainly, if you are a writer, or thinking of writing, it must be heart-warming to know you’re not on your own, that it’s not a collection of individuals that makes Fast Fiction, but a community, a real community.”
Anthony Lambert’s words warmed my heart because what he wrote is so very true and because he was moved enough with his findings to make mention of it. In my experiences writers celebrate each other’s achievements, help wherever we can and encourage and support each other when it’s needed – How special is that?
Keep writing….
Wow! That is lovely, Diane. Thank you for sharing it :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's a superb introduction - thanks for encouraging us like this, Diane!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great encouragement, Diane. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, Rosemary and Carol - thank you so much for acknowledging this post, and u r all more than welcome. It is writers like you than Anthony Lambert's words bring to my mind x
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely words, and they're true too! Anthony Lambert seems like such a nice man.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Diane. I haven't read the issue for myself yet.
Claire (Baxter)
Hello Claire, thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment. I have to say I was rapt when I read his words, because they are so true! I just had to share because I knew other writers would appreciate his words too!
ReplyDeleteSo Anthony knows. Yes, we are a community. Last year a group of womag writers at Writers' Holiday, Caerleon, South Wales, had dinner with Gaynor Davies from the UK Woman's Weekly. She seemed surprised that we were all friends.
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered about sending Norah McGrath (UK's Take A Break and Fiction Feast fiction editor) a Christmas cards that had done the rounds so we'd all signed it.
Thanks for sharing, Diane! What lovely words from Anthony! x
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Diane!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely - and very true. Thank you for posting, Diane.
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Lynne - interesting comment u posted, thanks for sharing. smiled at the Xmas card idea.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, Pat and Suzanne - hello ladies :-) thanks so much for dropping by and leaving a comment. I thought other writers would appreciate knowing that.
Thanks for telling us about this, Dianne.
ReplyDeleteWhat he says is very true (as you've proved by sharing this) - but how did he find out? Do you think he's been reading our blogs?
You are welcome Patsy. Mmmm I was wondering the same thing about Anthony reading our blogs!
ReplyDeleteWell, that's lovely. Well done, Diane. This Anthony fellow seems like one intelligent editor!
ReplyDeleteThank you Maria, for your comment and for stopping by :-)
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