Help

In the past few weeks I’ve had an unprecedented number of fellow writers reach out and ask me to help. In the two weeks alone since my last post “Nails” (wherein I admit I’m floundering (again!) and want to step back) nine, yes nine, fellow writers wrote me, asking. Requests have ranged from advice to interviews to book reviews to book blurbs. I responded to all with a wholehearted yes. I am always happy to help others and pay forward the many kindnesses I’ve received from other writers and editors along my own journey. I asked to be snagged by a nail, to be shown how to live meaningfully. Is this flurry of calls for help that nail? I have to believe so.

My dilemma though. How can I support other writers, and support them well, without engaging in social networking? I recently interviewed Nuala NiChonchuir at PANK. Nuala is best served if I tweet and facebook and blog about her interview. I did so, one tweet, one fb link, and now this one blog mention here. But I did so reluctantly. In the two weeks I’ve stayed off social networking I have been more productive and much happier. I like the peace and the quiet. As a writer, though, I definitely feel more isolated and ignorant of the various goings on. I also feel so much less supportive of my fellow writers and the community and I hate that.

I want to stay in touch and up-to-date and fully engaged with my fellow writers and the writing world. I want to continue to help and contribute as best I can. Thus I guess I’m going to have to get back on the social network bull and withstand the bucks. Hee-haw.