Monday, June 13, 2011

Support Matters!


Ladies, make sure you’ve got a proper fitting bra, and gentlemen, make sure you’ve got the right fitting belt. What the heck am I on about? I’m talking about support.

We all need it. Even if it’s just a little bit. None of us do well for long when we’re out there flailing around or riding low. Hence those bras and belts! It doesn’t matter what size you are, this is a one-size fits all kind of deal.

Everyone benefits from support. It’s a wonderful gift to give someone. Who doesn’t benefit from a pat on the back or a spirited “well done” every once in awhile? Who doesn’t benefit from the knowledge that they aren’t alone and don’t have to feel like they’re alone when they try a new job, story, or project? Everyone benefits!

And even more rewarding, not only does it feel good to have someone support you, it’s a boost to be supportive.

When you work hard and put all of yourself into your task, it’s nice to know someone is there to cheer you on and help pick you up on the days you question what you’re doing.

I’m lucky to have a wonderful support system at home. I can write anything and I know that my hubby is proud of me. But it isn’t just about supporting my actual work, he supports my business ethics. He finds ways to help make my office more functional by building shelves, installing the right kind of lighting, and creating ways to help me stay organized. He's my tech support and personal handyman. He’s also fun to storyboard with when my characters are running amok, and provides me with emotional support when a deadline looms or I second-guess myself. Yeah, it happens.

Not everyone has support from their family. And you may have close friends who can't provide you with the support you're looking for, but that doesn't mean you're doomed to be a loner forever. Take the initiative and email someone in your line of work/genre/project and see where it goes? You may have to do the initial work to find someone, but after you do, it becomes a team thing. *pom pom swish*

Write a list of traits you're looking for and seek out like-minded people. Strike up conversations and see where they go. You won't know until you try. I mean, unless you know exactly what you're looking for, you tend to try on a few of those bras and belts, don't you? *wink*

It’s important to have someone in your corner. There’s no need to feel alone. Get active in finding your support system. And then get active by being supportive!

~Ann Cory

6 comments:

sherri A. Dub said...

I have the same wonderful support from my Hubby. He talks my books up with his friends & co-workers, who are mainly truck driving men in the Alaskan Ice Fields. He sells me, but he does it because he is proud of what I write and how much time I put into my career.
It does matter, having his classy support system to back me up.
And, he was my first publisher.
I also have a sister who is a writer, and she and I joined RWA together in 1997 and we travel to conferences and such, sharing our journey together.
I feel very blessed.

Ann Cory said...

Yay Sherri! That is wonderful to hear :) Sounds like a keeper!! I appreciate you stopping by!

Tanith Davenport said...

My husband and his family have been a great support to me, especially since he has no interest at all in my genre. :)

I'm also backed by friends who don't write themselves but are always keen to try something new.

It's always good to have backing. It can get quite lonely as a writer without it.

Ann Cory said...

Wonderful Tanith! Yes, we're already a very solitary lot as it is. I'm thrilled to hear you have support. Thanks so much for stopping by!
:)

books4me said...

Ann, I also am blessed with a wonderful hubby that supports me in all that I do! My mom is the same and will support me whether or not she agrees or understands what I am doing!

Ann Cory said...

Yay! Great news bearaboo :) It's such a boost to hear when people are supported, especially at home. Another keeper!! :)

I appreciate you popping by! Hope your day is creative and productive :)