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Note: I tried to post this earlier today, but cannot find it. If it's a duplicate, I apologize.
Every writer needs three Cs in their toolbox. If you don't have them, you should get them.
Cheerleader - someone to give you constant encouragement. This is the person that thinks you are brilliant. Everything you write is the best yet. No matter what you write, they want to read it, and they are happy they did. These people give us the bright spot that keeps us chugging along.
Coach - someone to keep us growing. This is the person that reads what we write and challenges us to be better. They reward the successes and callout the failures. A good coach pushes you and will not let you off the hook. They insist we keep our deadlines and achieve our goals. They acknowledge each victory, but remind us that it's a stepping stone, and help us set a new goal. These people are more than readers, they are often writers too.
Critic - someone to find the weaknesses that are holding us back. This person will read what you write for the sheer joy of pointing out where it doesn't quite work. Sharing with this reader can be bruising, but if they are good, they will ferret out the problems. They can't be a good critic if they are just mean, they have to be right, and we have to recognize when they call out a problem. Our critics remind us that we are human and have room to grow.
All three of these tools improve us. And we can outgrow any one of them, but they should be replaced. Remember, no matter how good you are, there is someone better that you can learn from.
And don't forget, you should be this person for someone too. A huge part of becoming a writer is helping your peers on their journey too.
Come out and play with us. There is plenty of space, and lots of kind faces.
Every writer needs three Cs in their toolbox. If you don't have them, you should get them.
Cheerleader - someone to give you constant encouragement. This is the person that thinks you are brilliant. Everything you write is the best yet. No matter what you write, they want to read it, and they are happy they did. These people give us the bright spot that keeps us chugging along.
Coach - someone to keep us growing. This is the person that reads what we write and challenges us to be better. They reward the successes and callout the failures. A good coach pushes you and will not let you off the hook. They insist we keep our deadlines and achieve our goals. They acknowledge each victory, but remind us that it's a stepping stone, and help us set a new goal. These people are more than readers, they are often writers too.
Critic - someone to find the weaknesses that are holding us back. This person will read what you write for the sheer joy of pointing out where it doesn't quite work. Sharing with this reader can be bruising, but if they are good, they will ferret out the problems. They can't be a good critic if they are just mean, they have to be right, and we have to recognize when they call out a problem. Our critics remind us that we are human and have room to grow.
All three of these tools improve us. And we can outgrow any one of them, but they should be replaced. Remember, no matter how good you are, there is someone better that you can learn from.
And don't forget, you should be this person for someone too. A huge part of becoming a writer is helping your peers on their journey too.
Come out and play with us. There is plenty of space, and lots of kind faces.