You’re invited to a booksigning and reading of essays included in several Cup of Comfort anthologies at Borders Oakway in Eugene on June 14, 2009, from 2-4PM. I’m going to attend this one. I not only have a story in one of the books, two of my present and former writing students also published essays, one of them the grand prize winner of the Dog Lovers II volume. You betcha I’m proud.
If you are still learning the writing craft it may not seem possible to you that you’ll ever be able to give to others coming up behind you, but if you keep at it, you will probably be in a position to “pay it forward.” When you are famous, don’t ever forget what it’s like to want to succeed with your writing, what it’s like to hunger for a byline. Whether you give writing craft tips, editing, mentoring, money or encouragement, you can help another writer find the strength to keep climbing that writing mountain.
Writing Tip for Today: Whatever stage you’re at, you can probably find some writing aspect to share with an eager learner. From admonishing to “get rid of those ly words” to showing a writer how to submit a manuscript, be gentle with that student. Encourage. Giving back is as simple as “paying it forward.”