In the movie, About a Boy, Hugh Grant’s character narrates the beginning and says, “Every man is an island.” The character worked hard at maintaining his island status until a young boy horned his way into the man’s life. By the end of the movie, the man realized how much he wasn’t an island at all, and liked it that way. Writers are not islands. Writing can be a solitary occupation, but it’s only as solitary as you choose to make it. My Book Therapy, which was created to give writers a Voice and a sense of community.
Even if you live in an area where other writers are as few as three-dollar bills, the Internet allows us to stay connected to one another.
Whether you’re new to writing or a veteran, get involved with writing organizations and blogs. If your budget allows, attend a retreat or conference. I’m pretty sure you’ll walk away with a new friend or two.
English poet John Donne wrote: “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main…”
Writing takes an investment in time and money to be successful, but you also need to invest in relationships, if for no other reason than to let you know you’re not an island, but a continent connected to other writers who understand the sting of rejection, the excitement of muse, and the thrill of the first sale. Together, we can encourage and lift up one another as we forge ahead on the paths laid before us.
This issue’s theme is community—not just the communities we create in our stories, but also the communities we create by building relationships with people in the industry.
Several new columns have been added to the e-zine: Social Networking, Genre Java, Writing & Wellness. This terrific e-zine would not have happened without the help of the exceptional staff and supplemental writers. So allow me to close by thanking those involved in putting this e-zine together:
- Book Therapists, Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck.
- Voices Staff:
- Reba J. Hoffman, Member Care Coach, prayer coordinator.
- Beth K. Vogt, copy editor.
- Amy Lindberg, assistant copy editor, Flash Fiction coordinator.
- Edie Melson, assistant copy editor, Social Networking columnist.
- Roxanne Sherwood, assistant copy editor.
- Vicki McCollumn, assistant copy editor.
- Jennie Atkins, Let’s Shout it Out coordinator.
- Carrie Fancett Pagels, Journey With the Voices coordinator, Upcoming Releases coordinator.
- Patricia Woodside, Ask the Therapist coordinator, Meet the Voices coordinator.
- Melissa Tagg, What’s Your Story? coordinator, Finding the Funny columnist.
- Teri Dawn Smith, Consulting with the Specialists coordinator.
- Michelle Lim, Genre Java coordinator.
- Alena Taurianen, Writing & Wellness columnist.
Guest Writers:
- Kimberly Buckner, “A Writer’s Observation: The Spice of Life”
- Amy Lindberg, “How Your Identity Benefits a Writing Community”
My Book Therapy (MBT) has over 800 members and grows daily. Members receive an abundance of resources to help them further their craft. Here’s a glimpse:
- My Book Therapy Blog –Topics covered include On the Edge — Suspense and Special Teams Blogs: editing, marketing and social networking.
- Club Voices – Forums where you can ask questions and learn from other Voices.
- Monday Night Chats – Free workshops! Suz and Rachel share their wisdom of story crafting. Chat transcripts are added to the forum for those who missed the chats.
- Voices E-zine – For the Voices by the Voices. Your place to share your writing and to build your platform.
- Storycrafting Retreats – An incredible experience where you will learn to take your writing to the next level.
- The Frasier Writing Contest – Personalized feedback and fantastic prizes to continue to help writers hone their story crafting skills.
- Annual MBT Pizza Party — A not-to-be-missed annual event at the ACFW conference.
- Personalize your own Club Voices page with a blog, comment wall and photos.
Whether you’re a new writer learning the basics or an established, published author, get involved and meet others who are finding their way in the writing world too. At MBT, you are not alone in your journey. Be part of the writing community where Every Voice Counts!
Your Voices Editor-in-Chief,
