It's Dangerous to Go Alone! Take [A Friend]! Why Work Buddies Are Vital to Your Goals
See those two awesome nerds right there? I’m the one taking the awkward selfie in public and the other, who is actually focused on what she should be doing, is my sister. We get together to work on Saturday mornings whenever possible, and even though we are technically on opposite ends of the content spectrum — an author frantically trying to put down words, and an editor gleefully cutting them out — it’s still incredible how much she pushes me to do better, be better.
Creative types proudly boast of being introverted and cranky, and we are, but everyone needs to venture out of the cave sometimes. This goes for all year, but especially during the month of November. 50,000 words is a massive ask for one month, and it can be so easy to let a day slip… then two, then three… and before you know it, it’s December. You might shrug your shoulders at an opportunity missed, promise yourself next year will be different, and set your book aside. We’ve all done it. The proverbial New Year’s Resolution Slide.
For that very reason, it is dangerous to go alone, especially when writing a book. So take a friend! Authors aren’t kidding when they say “it takes a village” in their acknowledgements. The publishing process is long and hard and a partner can help you in so many ways:
Accountability - They’ll keep you showing up and moving forward, even when you want to start over, start anew, or sleep in, especially now that it is cold. For those of you in the southern states, we don’t speak of your 50 degree “winter” here in the frozen tundra that is Chicago.
Brainstorming - You’ll have someone to bounce ideas off of when you get stuck! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reached out to my sister or a friend to help me get past the loop my brain is caught in. It may not even require a response — just having someone to listen to your crazy ideas and nod is some of the best support creative types can ask for.
Break buddies! - Instead of jumping right to Instagram when you need a break, you can have the benefit of true human interaction! Now, I’ll be the first to admit that when I’m stressed and pushing myself talking to other people isn’t always my favorite thing to do… or safe for them. But in addition to being healthier than adding to your social media obsession, they can also help you keep your break short and sweet.
Mentorship - Mentors are a girl’s (or guy’s) best friend. If you have the ability to partner up with someone who is further along than you, DO IT. Not only will they push you to keep going when you might normally stop, but they are uniquely qualified to answer questions if you hit a roadblock or wish to branch out. Need to try a new plot device in your novel? Find someone who has written something similar. Want to dive in to your query letter during your break? Work alongside someone who has pitched before!
I’m not going to lie, it won’t be easy. It is hard to sit next to someone who is better and/or further than you and not have it psych you out at times. But it is so worth it in the end. Mentors are beautiful humans created out of patience, grace, and perseverance — if you find one, hold on and don’t let go!
Friendly Competition - Challenge each other to write a x number of words in an hour. Push one another to have so many words on the page before the next time you get together. Make it a friendly competition to help meet that goal. Take advantage of your want to win, to be better, to be best. Push yourself and your work buddy to help you both to new heights!
TL;DR - Have friends, will travel… far.
Keep creating, my authors. You’re doing famously!