Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Writing Partners ~ Support Team

So today is my last official ROW80 Progress check in. It's been a fantastic 80 days of setting goals, writing, and connecting with other writers. The official ROW80 was comprised of a boatload of writers, which was great. But I was blessed to connect a bit more personally with three lovely ladies--my Support Team.


We've been cheering and checking in with each other on Twitter, Facebook, and our weekly posts. It's given me a deeper sense of community as well as accountability. Setting goals and having someone to report to has been motivating. If I didn't meet a goal, that was okay. I was surprised the weight a simple tweet from my support team, telling me I could meet my goal or congratulating me when I did, carried. A tweet of encouragement can go a long way. *wink*

It's all about support, building that foundation of confidence and belief.

I found it quite different from working with critique partners. Where Critique Partners edit, discuss, and guide our physical manuscripts, Support Partners are solely to encourage and create a positive atmosphere, keeping us focused on our writing goals. That's not saying CPs don't embrace the same encouraging attitude that Support Partners do because they do.

As for the writing goals I set back in April, I'm pleased to say I've had wonderful progress and success.

GOAL #1 ~ to complete a full REwrite of my YA Paranormal Romance, MARKED BEAUTY. And I have. I'm currently fine tuning the manuscript per amazing CP suggestions and edits.

GOAL #2 ~ to edit my three picture books. I've finished one and am still working on the other, hoping to find them a publishable home soon. (THX Kelly!)

GOAL #3 ~ to continue developing and outlining my two MG projects and other YA novel. Not as much progress here as I'd like, but I have refined goals and plots for all three projects.

All-in-all, creating a Support Team has done wonders for me. My fabulous support team consists of C.Lee McKenzieSusan Kaye Quinn, & Margo Berendsen, and we've decided to keep tabs on each other, checking in from time to time. I have yet to develop our badge but I'm hoping to soon. We'd love to have others participate. The more the merrier and the more support to go around. MORE TO COME ON THIS. I'll keep you posted.

If you think you'd be interested, let me know in the comments and I'll start a list on another page. :)

18 comments:

  1. I would be interested. I love support. You go on your goals. Great job!

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  2. Awesome, Sheri! No one can have enough support IMO. Especially writers.

    I'd def be interested in joining!

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  3. I'd definitely be interested. One of my CPs and I have been sort of doing this lately and it's helped me tremendously to feel like I'm not on my own here.

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  4. Congratulations! And I'm not part of an official support group, but all of my online writer friends have given me what I need to keep going.

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  5. I would be interested! Having support is huge. We writers need to stick together and help each other out. Being a writer sure isn't easy.

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  6. I like the idea of a support team- Congrats on your goals!

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  7. I would definitely be interested in being part of a support team. What a wonderful idea! I can see where it would be hugely beneficial in a way a crit group can't be. Love it!

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  8. A support team sounds like a great idea. The thing I like about blogging is the mutual support that is found in the community. It can be a difficult trek to journey alone.


    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  9. Very cool idea--support vs. critique partners. I've been lucky to have many support partners on FB and Twitter, albeit very informally.

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  10. A good support system can carry you a long way. What a great team you've been working with!

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  11. Congratulations on achieving your goals. A support group sounds fantastic, though I've found so many people support me anyway. Writers really are the kindest people out there!

    Ellie Garratt

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  12. That's a fantastic idea! Writing is so solitary, it's so helpful to know there are people cheering you on.

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  13. sounds like this has been a really great productive experience for you!

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  14. Hi, I found you through Shari Bird's blog. Congrats on achieving your writing goals!! I would love to be part of the group. I was just thinking how hard it is to be motivated to write this summer, when I could just as well sleep in, and the kids are wanting to go different places all the time. :-) I do have a wonderful critique group, but I agree, they have a different purpose...

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  15. Well I love all of you guys. In a totally non-creepy way of course. ;D I'm glad you did so well with your goals. I'm lucky in that my CPs are in essence also my support partners. It's a nice thing.

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  16. Great goals and great idea--a support team is ESSENTIAL!!!

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  17. Wow - you've really accomplished a lot - congrats!

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!SPLAT Your Awesomeness! I'd love to hear from you!

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