Comments on: Giving back

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:13:59 +0000

Mr. P. should be ashamed of himself. No explanation is necessary.

By: Alli Sinclair

Alli Sinclair — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:28:46 +0000

I'm not published in fiction at this point, but it doesn't stop me from paying it forward already. I've been writing fiction for seven years, have three manuscripts under my belt and have been helping new writers get aquainted with the industry by giving them blog addresses(such as yours!) to follow and use as a reference. I share my knowledge and give what I can. I would love nothing more than to be in a position such as Mr. P and be able to help someone out (especially if I'd promised to do so).

I don't understand some people. One of the best parts of this industry are the connections made with others. Why wouldn't you want to support someone up and coming?

By: Sangu

Sangu — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 21:35:18 +0000

Personally, I'm a little shocked by Mr. P. That's totally outrageous! If I ever make a successful career out of writing, I don't think I would ever, ever ignore an opportunity to help someone who is starting out. I've made so many writing friends through blogging, and many of them are well on their way to success, but it certainly hasn't gone to their heads!

By: Buffy Andrews

Buffy Andrews — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:24:24 +0000

YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! I'm so glad to see this post today. (Doing a cheer.) In fact, I posted something similar yesterday. I'm a big believer in giving back. I have enormous respect for those who achieve success in life and remember how difficult the journey was. There are so many people I know who have helped others, who remember what it was like not to have enough food to eat or enough money to buy a prom dress. I like to think that I give back to the community when I can in whatever way I can. It's the same for the online writing community. Newbies and experienced writers and agents and editors help one another. Maybe it's through a kind word or a virtual hug or writing a blurb for their book or editing a query letter. We are happy to help each other in whatever way we can. Mr. P should be ashamed of himself. Seriously. If I ever achieve that kind of success and act like that I hope you kick me in the butt. I would deserve it. It goes against everything I believe. That said, I realize you can't help everyone, otherwise you would never have time to do all of the things you need and want to do. But give back people when you can. Thanks for letting me rant about this. You can tell it's a topic very near and dear to my heart. Blessings, Buffy

By: Joelle

Joelle — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:05:32 +0000

I once took a writing workshop from Hollywood writer Richard Marcus. He said that in Hollywood especially, when people make it to the top, they often forget to send the elevator down to their friends still at the bottom. I always remembered this and took a vow to send the elevator down as much as I can from whatever floor I'm on. I'm far from the top, but I do have a wonderful agent (Michael!) and I have a book out with another one on its way...so it's possible that someone on a few floors below me could use my help and if I can, I will. The way I figure it, if you're at the top, you don't need the elevator anymore anyway, so why not send it down?

I don't know about writers as a whole, but it seems to me that children's writers are extremely generous in this way.