Writing: A Solitary Career. Or is it? By Jane Hunt

 

Popular culture suggests writers are solitary individuals with reclusive tendencies. Is this true or an outdated stereotype?

Writing successfully in terms of output and quality demands time and concentration. In practice this is best achieved without distraction and interruption. Quiet, alone time is essential. I love the creativity and solitude of writing but what if I reach an impasse or need help?

 As an aspiring writer I made friends with lots of writers ,bloggers and reviewers who were always ready to offer advice, support not to mention virtual hugs and chocolate when the need arose. In this vast social media world I found my critique partner and mentors who stopped me quitting after the first rejection.

The immediacy and scope of social media appeals. I have Twitter , Facebook and Google + friends worldwide. People I would never have chance to meet and chat with otherwise.

I enjoy my own space and ideas. I derive energy from my own creativity. When I worked in Service Improvement I was constantly drained from interactions with others. Empathetic by nature I absorbed all their niggles and problems and found it difficult to shake these off at the end of the working day. Writing frees me of this burden.

The idea of the reclusive writer metaphorically chained to the PC is outdated. Writers today need to be multifaceted professionals. Creativity, social media savvy and public relations all feature in the job role. The attraction of this 24/7 career is the control it affords me. Success is in your hands which is empowering.

If you want to find out how I became a writer check out my post 'Three's A Charm' and my page 'Who Am I?' on my blog 'First Steps'

 

My writing companions  Tom and Jazz