Book Writing Journey: What Is My Support System?

Throughout my 25-year writing career, I have sought and benefited from a variety of support. My first writing assignment was with a huge national magazine, Bride’s.  Every nerve in my body tingled with excitement—and with fear that I would make a mess of it. How embarrassing it would be if they rejected my manuscript!

Lucky for me, I had a stellar mentor, an author and writer who had been writing long before I was an infant—my mother, Shirley E. Pollock. Adding to this blessing, a scheduled trip to visit my parents coincided with the time frame I had to finish the article. At the end of each day, my mother would listen to me read what I had written and offer her feedback.   

She kept saying, "I don’t know why you don’t trust your writing skill." I didn’t know either. But I do know that having the support of her professional expertise and loving heart got me through that first assignment.

Since then I’ve belonged to writer’s support groups and writer’s critique groups. I’ve attended many writers’ conferences, taken lots of writing classes and enjoyed the camaraderie of professional writing organizations. I have also hired writing coaches and counted on accomplished writers to edit my books. Each type of support has served a unique, important purpose.

At this preliminary stage of this book writing journey, my support system consists of:

• Accountability partner. A dear friend, published author and writing coach is my judgment-free sounding board with whom I regularly check in with my progress and share my ideas. Her creative ideas and responses to my check-ins inspire me to expand my view on the contents of this book.

• Book Writing Journey group. I created this private Facebook group with a two-fold purpose: 1) inspire others by sharing  what I know and what I’m learning while writing this book, and 2) stretch my courage muscles by being vulnerable and transparent as I expose my writing process and my writing in its pre-published stages.

• Participants in the Writing from Source teleseminars. I’ve invited Writing from Source participants to enrich the book with their aha’s, insights and other personal experiences with Writing from Source. They have been key players in the evolution of Writing from Source and in my decision to move forward with this book. Their support and the information they choose to share with me will play an important role in fashioning the book content.

• Sisters and close friends. I’m blessed with loving sisters and friends who take sincere interest in my writing endeavors and life journey. They are always there to lend a compassionate ear, cheer me on and give hearty congratulations.

• The Power Within Me. Throughout my book writing journey, I am regularly doing personal Writing from Source sessions to connect with the power inside me for guidance, insights and direction with the book. I also connect with Source through mediation and spiritual practices.

This core support system will stay with me throughout my book writing journey. As the writing process unfolds and other needs arise, I know other types of support will expand the list.