I recently joined a new writers network, Write and Share, and it is really boosting my confidence.

People often say that a writer’s life is a lonely one, and so far I am finding this true.

A Confidence Boost

Personally I am surrounded by loving family and friends, but only a very few of them seem to really understand the importance of my chosen career. Most of them view it as my little hobby while I raise a family and my husband does the ‘serious’ work. These same few people keep asking me whether I am earning money from my work, and what are its prospects. Apparently I will not be considered a successful writer until I am earning lots of money from it.

But back to my point. The Write and Share network is a fabulous resource, because there are people who write both professionally and for personal gratification. They all take time to read my work and comment on it, and while I do my best to return the favour, I am falling behind slightly. There is also a forum where we can bounce ideas off each other, and its main attraction is that it is full of lovely stories, novel excerpts, poetry and articles. Great for a lunchtime read or a bit of late-night entertainment!

“Well Done” means a lot from my community

It is amazing to see how something so simple as a random person saying ‘Well Done’ can change your whole mood. I love reading the comments from my fellow writers, and interacting with like-minded people. I also enjoy their constructive criticism because it helps me to understand what people what to read, and the style of presentation they like.

We all want to make money from our work; that goes without saying. But ultimately we want to share our visions with the world, and when we hear positive comments from other readers, it makes it all worthwhile.

Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here.