This image is 100% about partners, and 0% about the huge crush I used to have on Burt Ward.
This is an excerpt from a post I wrote for Brazen Careerist. It was written both to promote my upcoming Networking for Word Nerds event (register here) and to sing the praises of having a good writing partner. (I love my writing partner to bits.)
Enjoy!
Several months ago, I wrote a blog post calling for a “writing partner who can kick my lazy, procrastinating writer’s ass.”
Now I have a writing partner I love, plus another partner I email my daily goals.
I’ve also left behind a low-paying permalance gig that had me feeling stuck. I’m well on my way to making more money this year than I’ve made previously, and I’m feeling more productive and successful than ever before.
Coincidence? I think not.
There are numerous benefits to having a writing partner. Here are my top five:
1. The no-holds-barred criticism
One typically pairs up with a writing partner in order to receive constructive criticism on one’s first (and second, and twenty-fifth) drafts. That way, by the time it gets sent off to an agent or editor, it’s damn near perfect. Despite being your own worst critic — and even if you’re an obsessive self-editor — it can be beneficial to get an objective opinion of your work. A good writing partner will rip apart your TOC, take you to task for overusing and mixing metaphors, and give you the kind of insight and feedback that could very well elevate your writing to pure awesomeness.
Click here to read the rest.
Related: Wanted: A Writing Partner Who Can Kick My Writing Ass, Introducing a Monthly Word Nerd Networking Event
Hi Steph.
I tried to do the network roulette thing this evening, but after my first 2 connections, I kept getting dropped. I’m not sure if it’s my computer or my clumsy fingers.
Oh noes! I had trouble signing in at first, but it finally let me stay. We’ll have to connect off-BC.
It’s funny what a little accountability can do for a career. I’m the type who thrives on having someone to answer to creatively. Not a boss, but a friend. I finished my first novel because a friend asked when it would be finished, and I said “November 30th.” It was – 9:27 pm on November 30th. But damn if I would let her down.
thanks, writing partner. although i doubt i have much to do with your success. or do i? *cracks whip*