✨ A Gratitude Post to See Out the Week ✨
I joined a Zoom meeting the other night and felt nervous while waiting. It was a writers’ group, and their agenda mentioned editing. I thought it might be helpful to join, hoping I could offer something valuable to the discussion. Even if I stayed quiet, I knew there’d be value in hearing writers’ concerns about editing.
So, I was brave and joined. None of them knew me, and I wondered if they’d think, “Who’s this chancer rocking up?” This thought crosses my mind every time I join an online writing event or group. I always question whether it’s right for me to be there.
One-time attendance doesn’t make you feel part of a community. You have to keep showing up. But that first impression, on both sides, is crucial. How you are, how they are—it matters.
I’ve honestly had no bad experiences, and this week’s Zoom was no exception. I listened, I joined in, and it felt okay for me to be there.
I want to thank all the writers who’ve made these experiences positive. You’ve welcomed me into your communities, even though I’m not strictly a writer—though I do dabble! There’s the BFS, the group with fellow literary Cumbrians, the Moms group, the WM main group and SP sub-group, the IFA, and the romance writers group, to name a few.
I hang out where writers hang out, not to spam, but to share a love of writing. Talking about writing is my happy place, and I do it as often as I can.
Writing can be quite isolating, and so can editing. We all need community. While there are separate communities for writers and editors – and that’s completely understandable and valid! – there are lovely ones that allow for a blend.
When I enter writers’ spaces for the first time, I wonder if they’ll think I’m trying to sell them something. I’m sure it crosses their minds. But I’ve found that as long as I’m open and authentic, I’ve been greeted with courtesy and warmth.
Honesty is the best policy. My first words when joining or requesting to join a group are always along these lines: “Yes, my day job is being an editor, so I completely understand if it’s not appropriate for me to be here. Please tell me if you’d rather I sling my hook!”
Yet the groups I’ve referred to above have not shown me the door. They know what I do and seem happy for me to join in. Fiction editors are welcome among fiction writers.
For that, I’m very grateful! It’s fantastic to be part of such a vibrant community. I learn a lot from you all. Seeing different perspectives and approaches is really helpful. And I hope that I sometimes help you, too.
Thanks to the WM folks for a really interesting Zoom this week. I’d love to join in again soon.
Writers, you’re such a nice bunch.
Best wishes for a lovely weekend,
C 😊
CherryEdits 