Writing is oftentimes a solitary – even lonely – activity. Hours are spent in front of an impersonal computer tap-tap-tapping away thoughts and ideas. Conversions exist only in one’s head. And raw emotions manifested on the page are met with silence.
But the writers’ world is also one of remarkable connection, support, and camaraderie. Since I began blogging a little over a year ago (oops – I kind of let that milestone quietly slip by!), I have been awed and amazed by the helpful and supportive feedback of relative strangers – virtual friends with whom I have never shared a meal, exchanged a handshake, or locked eyes. Yet these people have touched me with their expressive words, their relatable stories, their unabashed honesty, and their willingness to take the time to give their advice and feedback, to call and email, in spite of the fact that they have nothing to gain from it.
This, my friends, is what community is all about.
So in the interest of community, I am sharing my favorite posts and articles from the week. Read on, readers, read on.
- In this post, Jennifer Luitwieler offers an honest look at the unhealthy relationship between food and shame that is so pervasive in our society, as well as the dark recesses of our minds.
- One of my favorite posts of the week came from Alise…Write!, in which she talks about the damaging effects of an over-reliance on “the numbers.”
- Samantha Brinn Merel offers a poignant tale on the use of tradition and ritual to embrace change.
- This post by Alexis Grant really helped to put things in perspective for me as I move through the struggling process of seeking an agent/publisher for my first book.
- Hearing Michelle DeRusha’s triumphant tale of struggle and endurance was like salve for my pained heart and a pat on the back all wrapped up into one. Congratulations, Michelle!
What have you been reading – blogs, articles, books, otherwise – that has touched you lately?
5 Comments
Congratulations on your one-year anniversary. I wish you extraordinary success for the next year and far beyond.
Thanks so much, Chris! And to you, as well!
Thank you so much for including my piece in this list. It is one of the pieces from the last few months that I am most proud of, and I so appreciate you sharing it. Happy one year of blogging!
Happy Anniversary, Christine! I definitely look up to you as a writer and blogger and enjoy getting to know you through your words. I’ll check out these posts and look forward to your next year of inspiring words!
Thanks so much, Mary. That really, really means a lot. As you can probably know 🙂