Community – What’s In It For Me?
By Vaughn Roycroft | January 6, 2012 |
Therese here. I’m beyond happy to present today’s guest to you. Vaughn Roycroft has become a true pillar of the WU community, though if you’re not a part of the WU Facebook Group (easily remedied by clicking here), you may not know it. Vaughn heads up the moderator team there–an important aspect of the group, ensuring that shared links are valuable and not spamalots. When Jan, who was my number-one helper with the group for a long time (TY, Jan!), and I needed to break away for a while, Vaughn stepped up. And I knew I could trust him. He’s the sort of person who’ll pick up a brush, say “Where’s the can of paint?” More than that, his commitment to the WU community was unmistakable; he was one of us. When we kicked off the Reader Unboxed site–now on hiatus–we asked Vaughn if he wanted to contribute reviews for us. He did, and they’re fantastic (ex: his review of Jacqueline Carey’s Saints Astray). We’ve asked him to participate in some exciting new WU initiatives coming soon as well. The fact that Vaughn is with us today to talk about community and how he ended up here, is the best introduction for our dear friend that I can think of. Enjoy!
Community – What’s in it for me?
Finding My Way Home
Don’t surround yourself with yourself,
Move on back two squares;
Send an instant karma to me,
Initial it with loving care. ~Jon Anderson and Chris Squire (Yes)~
Do you know me? I don’t mean Know Me know me. Only a few reading this post have actually stayed up with me talking into the wee hours. I mean, does my name ring a bell? If so, it’s not because you’ve seen my book (I’m unpublished), or read my blog (I don’t blog). No, if you’ve seen my name, or feel like you know me at all, there’s a darn good chance it is because of community. Specifically, this community—Writer Unboxed.
You may ask yourself, well, how did I get here? ~David Byrne (Talking Heads)~
When I started writing, I was living an old-school fantasy—alone in my den, pouring myself onto the page, wresting from my very soul the document that would make me immortal. I’ll never forget the day I first stumbled across WU. I was nearing the end of my lengthy first draft, and it occurred to me that I had absolutely no idea what came next. Oh, I’d heard the stories—the legendary struggles to get published, the lucky breaks, the classics that almost weren’t published, and so on. I simply refused to consider it… until I did.
More Than a Feeling
Simply being with other people who are also seekers and who are involved in the same quest you are is very meaningful. ~Dan Wakefield~
The day I found WU I honestly didn’t even know what a query letter should look like. I spent hours absorbed in exploring the site. My neck pricked in discovering such a treasure trove. Maybe it was because of my innocence, and that I learned so much from this one spot, but I immediately felt a bond—a sense of comfort in reading each day, a connection to the people here.
I don’t recall exactly how long I lurked here before commenting (months? a year?), but I eventually felt strongly enough about something to venture speaking up. A few weeks later, it happened again. The time after that, the author of the post replied… positively. As I said, I’m an old-school guy, and this was before I’d signed on with Facebook or Twitter, so I was taken aback. Wow, I thought, this is pretty cool—it’s interactive. Who knew?
I’ve Seen All Good People
I am a part of all that I have met. ~Alfred Tennyson~
Between frequent commenting here and my role as a moderator of the WU facebook group, I feel like I’ve come to know so many of you. Scores of you—maybe even hundreds. It’s both virtual and viral. Virtual in that it’s online, but it feels real enough to me. As in real life, I know each of you to different degrees—some mere acquaintances, others fairly intimately—but we all have WU in common. Viral in that our communal connections expand our online worlds exponentially. More on that in a minute.
You may be a part of other communities, but if you’re reading this, it’s likely we have something in common—a shared interest. And, by most definitions, that is the essence of community. Our sense of belonging and depth of involvement varies, but we’re all here voluntarily, and presumably we all benefit by our association. If you take it a step further, the more you put into a community, the more you’ll take away in the form of that shared benefit. In light of increasing that benefit, we share a stake in making it the best it can be.
Reach Out and Touch
See how the heart reaches out instinctively,
For no reason but to touch. ~Kate Bush~
So if we have common cause and share a stake, how do we make our community better? It’s pretty simple. It’s something we are naturally inclined to do, but in doing it we must set aside some other online impulses. Reach out—send an instant karma to your fellow tribesmen. Really, that’s all it takes. But it requires openness and humility. Listen first. Talk less. Connect with what others have to say. Community is not about you, it’s about us.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. ~Rick Warren~
My friend and mentor Cathy Yardley (also met through WU) did a wonderful series of blog posts on finding your tribe, and contribution versus promotion. Do yourself a favor and go read them all. But if you only have time for one, read last year’s final installment. In it she offers the simplest tribe-building advice I’ve seen: do five nice things each day. She even gives examples. And it’s not only simple, it comes with the extra benefit of making you feel good.
In My Tribe
I dreamed of a circle round
and in that circle I had made
were all the worlds unformed and unborn yet,
a volume, a sphere
that was the earth, that was the moon
that did revolve around my room ~Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs)~
We are all alone, many of us at this moment, working on projects that can only be manifested through great and solitary effort. And yet we are connected, and must be to succeed. Without our tribes we are a squeak amid a cacophony. Earlier I mentioned the viral nature of our connectivity. Through connection and community our voices gain power. It’s an overused metaphor, but the Confucian ripple effect is too apt to not use here. If each of us is a lone pebble dropped into a pond, we create one series of circular ripples. But a handful (or tribe-full) of flung pebbles striking at once creates a series of circles, some greater than others, overlapping and far-reaching. Together we can really stir things up. My voice resounds with the chorus of community. My imagination is expanded through the vision of my fellows.
What’s in community for you? For me, at the very least it offers a full heart. I feel good when I help my fellow community members, even in the little things—a pat on the back, a shared link, commiseration over a rejection. Better still is gaining the support of others—real advocacy from those who have come to know, trust, and respect you for your history of deeds, not just words. Best of all you gain true friendship. And that, my fellow tribe members, is priceless.
How about you? What other communities do you belong to, and what else have you gained? I’m always looking to make more overlapping circles.
Readers, you’ll learn more about Vaughn in the coming months. In the meanwhile, you can read his full bio here. Write on!
Vaughn Roycroft’s (he/him) teacher gave him a copy of The Hobbit in the 6th grade, sparking a lifelong passion for reading and history. After college, life intervened, and Vaughn spent twenty years building a successful business. During those years, he and his wife built a getaway cottage near their favorite shoreline, in a fashion that would make the elves of Rivendell proud. After many milestone achievements, and with the mantra ‘life’s too short,’ they left their hectic lives in the business world, moved to their little cottage, and Vaughn finally returned to writing. Now he spends his days striving to finish his epic fantasy series.
I’ve found the same kind of community you have on WU and on Twitter and through my blog. I’ve made such wonderful connections with amazing writers — and for the first time in my writing life, am friends with other writers! It’s wonderful. Still, I want to do more, make more connections and reinforce the ties… so I absolutely love (and will do!) the five nice things each day. Nice to know you!
Thanks, Julia! And you’ve already done at least two of your five nice things: this lovely comment and sharing on Twitter.
For me the community is people and even places where I feel that I am always most welcomed. This is something very personal and intimate.
I’m hoping you feel as welcome here at WU as I always have, Anna. Thanks for your comment!
I adore Vaughn! I feel as if I’ve known him for years, when in fact, we are new friends. He’s warm, and generous, and smart (and not because he read my books *laughing!* though that couldn’t help but endear him more to me, silly ole thing I am).
This is such a well-written, beautiful post, Vaughn. It inspires me to do more in a community tribal way. I can and do so often become reclusive.
Thank you for this post!
I’ve felt the same about you, Kathryn, like I’ve known you forever. In a former life, maybe? Reading your work has only increased the feeling. So happy to call you my friend. Thank you!
*warm smiles*
Awww… This post is great, Vaughn! Now I feel all warm-fuzzy, which isn’t a bad way to start the day.
WU is one of the best and strongest community of writers online that I know of, and one of my favorite to be a part of. For all the reasons you stated and more. Thanks for taking on such an active role to help Therese and Kathleen. You guys rock!
Kristan, I can’t think of a better tribe member than you. Speaking of pillars of the WU community. You rock! Thank you so much for your ongoing support and friendship. (Sorry, more warm-fuzzy.)
Vaughn, you truly embody all that you write about in this post. The way you reach out to encourage and connect with others is one of the reasons WU is the strong community it is. Thanks for the roadmap on how to do more myself. It has been great fun getting to know you this past year!
You’re another I feel like I’ve known a long time, Liz. Maybe reading Evenfall has something to do with it, but I am blessed to have gotten to know you. So glad you enjoyed the post.
Beautiful, Vaughn. Thank you for this.
Without my writing community (my writing partners, writing pals, and most certainly WU) I would by lying fetal somewhere, clutching an 8,000 page manuscript and some Boone’s Farm, muttering something about elephants wearing plaid pants.
Most of us enjoy our solitude, but being a writer means we also need community. It is, in my opinion, essential. To have other writers whom we can trust, with whom we can mourn and celebrate, is essential if we are going to stay sane and productive.
Thank you, Vaughn, for being a huge, important part of the WU community. I KNEW you were a good egg.
I’ll never forget, even when I was a stranger offering you candy, you said you trusted I was okay. It’s been so much fun, so many laughs, stalking you… er, I mean, getting to know you, Sarah. Air clink of the Boone’s Farm bottle to you, my friend.
Ha. Somehow I knew you’d appreciate a Boone’s Farm reference (just as I always do). Loved this post. So happy to see YOU get all this love too. Clearly well deserved. :)
So glad to see Vaughn posting on WU! Yay for Vaughn! I agree with Kristan, the WU community is unique and amazing. There is nothing else like it on the web. Thank you to Therese, Kath and everyone who contributes posts and discussions. Because of you, I don’t feel as alone. I’ve made so many beautiful and wonderful friends here, Vaughn being one of them. :)
Ah, my Scottish/Texan friend. You are a special kind of person. How would we ever have met without WU? It’s proof, we are drawn to our tribes for a reason. You offered me your platform for my very first ever guest post. That’s friendship. Thank you.
You know I love you, Heather. So glad you’re here! And thank you for everything you do for the FB group.
A fine writer, but also very good taste in music! Thanks for this post, Vaughn. WU has offered me a tribe, and I have others, too.
Five nice things a day…I love that.
Music is such a uniting force, isn’t it, Barbara? Ah, praise from one of my all-time favorite bloggers. My heart is full, indeed!
I met Vaughn on WU and sent him a private message because his last name intrigued me due to a connection to my own WIP. I admired his warmth, generosity, and that he and his wife sold their business and built their own dream house by their favorite beach. Even though we have not (yet) met in person, our virtual friendship is real and I was deeply touched when he offered my name to Therese as a potential WU moderator. I’m proud to be part of that team now. Vaughn, Heather, Valerie and I are a tight group and I look forward to our almost daily conversations.
The WU community has enriched so many lives, and given many writers a sense of community when they felt all alone in the heaven/hell that is the writing life. If you have not already joined us, please consider it. We’d love to have you.
Kim, I knew there was some spooky, mystical stuff happening when we met. Remember, we both had on articles of Roycroft Campus clothing when you reached out that day? Spiritual sparks were a-flyin’! You’ve heard of soul-mates? Well, we’re soul-friends, and I couldn’t be more pleased we found one another.
I am so grateful to all of you, Kim. Thank you so, so much for all that you do.
This is such a gorgeous post, Vaughn. Truly a love letter that embodies all that we treasure here. I, too, remember nearly to the minute the day I stumbled across WU, and thinking–as fireworks exploded and light-bulbs flashed–EUREKA!!!! This is it! How incredible, wonderful, and positively delicious to discover and *keep* so many amazing writers. Thumbnail size friends and comrades across cyberspace, yet close as a keyboard, and oftentimes larger than life.
Love WU and all of you here in our writers utopia :-)
We had the same experience, Barbara. More than a feeling, indeed. You’ve been there from the beginning on the FB page, too. I love thumb-nail size friends, but the friendships are so much bigger than that, aren’t they. Thanks so much!
So glad I took a writing break and read this entry. I just joined the FB community. So excited to be part of it, get to know everyone and learn more!
Thanks, Rebeca. So glad you reached out. Looking forward to getting to know you, and expanding our circles.
Excellent post.
I too indulged the writer as solitary, pensive figure alone in my tower until I got to the end of my (behemoth) first draft. And realized nobody would print a 240,000 word monster by an unknown author, especially one that fit into no existing genre.
It never occurred to me to join a tribe until confronted with that uh-oh-what’s-next moment Vaughn describes above. Wish someone had told me sooner.
Here in Boston, Grub Street is a great resource, but I’ve never been able to participate enough to call it one of my tribes. I’m in one actual book club, and two on-line ones, and I try to participate here and on FB. Frankly all these tribes are exhausting at times. They’re kind of like kids that way. Lots of trouble but ultimately rewarding.
What, only 240,000? I had that beat, lol. Kind of humbling to realize the industry frowns upon epic tales from unknowns, huh? I know there’s a lot of overlap between Grub St. and WU, so more of those ever-expanding circles. Thanks, Mari. So glad to know you.
Ah, Vaughn, you are such a natural at this community stuff. Something tells me you’re going to go far in this business – not just because of the fine writing Barbara noted, but because of that open heart.
If there’s anything today has done for me, it’s to remind me how very dear to me so many of you have become. Jan, you are one of a kind, my very dear friend. I can’t count how many times you’ve made me laugh, how often you’ve been there for me when I needed you. I’m a better person for knowing you. So thanks.
Hola, Vaughn! Thanks for a great post–you are a true-blue Tribesman!
Getting to know you is one of the best things to come of my experience with RU, Dee. Not just a warm-fuzzy, but an under-a-sandbag-comforter type feeling. Also, started Ros last night. I had already laughed a lot during chapter one, but when I hit chapter two…Let’s just say I’m glad I wasn’t drinking anything when I hit the turn-page button.
What a great post, Vaughn! We are truly lucky to have you as part of the WU community!
Anna, I think you were the author I refer to above, replying positively to one of my comments. YOU’RE the one responsible for all this. ;-) Really am glad to have gotten to know you. Thanks for showing me the way.
Really? Oh, how cool! I’m sure you’d have found your voice here anyway, but I’ll be delighted to take credit! ;-)
Great post, Vaughn – thanks for shining a spotlight on this important concept.
For what is essentially a very solitary pursuit, community can offer both a welcome relief and a vital support system. And I’ve found online communities to be incredibly valuable, forging friendships and professional relationships over the Internet that are every bit as real and important as my face-to-face interactions. It can be hard to find other writers who “get” you if you only look within the confines of your hometown, so the Internet opens up literally a world of possibilities, even if most of your contact with others is “virtual.”
WU is a wonderful example of such a community, where everybody’s voice has a chance to be heard – something your participation exemplifies beautifully. Other communities that have had a major positive impact on me and my writing include Backspace and the Women’s Fiction chapter of RWA (both of which are online communities), and the local RWA chapter here in South Florida. Plus, there’s the less clearly defined but equally important network of writers I’ve gotten to know over the years, again, mostly online. Good stuff, these interweb thingies.
Agreed, Keith, on the interwebby thingies, so much good stuff to be found here. And true human connections. Who knew? Every tribe needs a comic relief guy, and you deliver. But more than that, you’re such an incisive analyst. I’ve always looked forward to reading your comments, even before you were a contributor. Thanks for being such a valuable member of my tribe.
Thanks, Vaughn, for inspiring me to go and join the WU FB community. I had been eyeing it for some time and took the plunge after reading your article today! Community is so what I’ve needed!!!
I’m glad to have provided the impetus, stephanie! Welcome aboard.
Very nicely written, Vaughn. Most of my experience with this community has been equally positive.
Thanks, Ray! There’s no doubt it’s a special group. Thanks for being a valuable contributor from the beginning on the FB page, and, of course, here on the blog.
Wonderful post from an equally wonderful person. I’m starting to wonder, Vaughn, if one of your five nice things a day always includes doing something nice for ME — since rarely a day goes by that you don’t brighten it with support or a kind message.
Hugs to you and the rest of the WU community for offering strangers such a warm and comforting home.
I remember your first WU post vividly, Kris. We bonded over Band of Brothers, so now we’re like the 101st boys–comrades and true friends for life. And I do nice things for you because you’re so awesome. This thing works both ways, my friend.
Great post Vaughn! WU has become a favorite community of mine. I check in here more than any blog and often share the link in FB and Twitter. I know you–from this blog. Love WU–can always trust that here there’s not only a wealth of information and wisdom, but a warm-cozy tribe to reach out to. A place to share. Where would we solitary writers be without a place like this to gather? Love it!
So agree, Marian. I know you, too. It’s such a special combination of wisdom and warmth, isn’t it? Thanks for being in my tribe.
[…] readers, agents, professionals of this and that and the other, something for all. First, the post Community – What’s In It For Me? by Vaughn Roycroft, where he writes of community in this thang called social networking, and […]
I’m in two critique groups in the real world which helps tremendously, but writing is a pretty solitary existence so on-line communities are far more accessible and the interactions can become deeply meaningful over time. I’m glad I fixed my feed reader.
You’re right, Maddy. Live crit groups are so valuable, but online connections can grow and flourish if you nuture them. Thanks for stopping by.
I joined the FB page yesterday because of a desire for more community and voilà, today’s post presents itself. I began writing last year and living in a non anglophone nation have been deeply touched by the community I have found in the kidlitosphere through FB, twitter, blogging, PiboIdmo.. the sense of tribe is as important as the writing to me, and I have often found inspiration on this site. Thanks, Vaughn.
What a coincidence, Joanna! I’m so glad you joined us. Looking forward to getting to know you. Thanks.
Thanks for your thoughtful and wonderfully written post, Vaughn. It’s posts like yours that make all the difference and remind us how lucky we are to be present on both our own writing journeys as well as share the journeys of the other writers here. Thanks you!
I’m so glad you connected with the post, Ann. What fun would a journey be without wonderful companions to share it? Thanks.
Finding a good tribe, or a few of them, is definitely the best thing a writer can do. Thanks for putting it so beautifully. You’ve also inspired me to explore WU more. I read the posts, but haven’t moved out much further. On my list! (although I’ve used up my daily time allotment for what I think of as my social stuff on the internet and have to pull up that draft and get to work–also some good advice I read on WU–don’t let reading about writing etc absorb your writing time.) Thanks for the upper today, Vaughn!
I’m so glad I inspired exploration of a wonderful site. WU is a wealth of information. Just try out that little search box, and see for yourself. You’re right, you have to be careful with your time. The work itself must remain job one. Thanks!
Vaughn, thanks for a thoughtful and eloquent post. I cannot recall exactly when I discovered WU but I visit daily. You are all great and supportive people. Now I am off to join the FB group.
CG, you are another great tribe member, and so often one of the first comments on each day’s post. And they are never throw-aways. I always read them, and steady contributors like you are the cornerstone of a good community. So glad you’re thinking of joining us on fb!
A ggod reminder of why we are here…
You are such a valuable member of our fb communtiy, Mary! So often I see you are the first to respond to a question on the page. Thanks for being there, and for commenting here.
The community here is wonderful! And you are such a good soul for taking care of the FB community.
I like the tribes (both online and IRL) that happen naturally. Every so often people ask me about joining Triberr, but I feel I have an “organic” tribe of people on Twitter and other bloggers. I don’t like the idea of putting rules around it like you have to RT things a certain number of times, etc. You get what you give . . . I love the 5 things idea.
I know you’ve developed the Twitter thing to an art-form, and I admire it. I think I learned everything I know about Twitter from you. One of the things I love about WU is how organically my involvement started and grew. I think you feel a good tribal fit in your heart, and have but to nuture it from there. Thanks for your lovely comment, and for the tweets today, too.
Vaughn, this is a lovely post. As you and many others have pointed out, writing can be a lonely pursuit, and it’s so easy to get lost without a community. Finding one like WU can be the difference between sticking with it or giving up.
But isn’t that true in many areas of life? Your post resonates beyond just our writing communities. Wise words.
I’m rarely called wise, so I’m honored, Tracy. I think you’re right. I have almost never despaired for long, thanks to my tribe. And I agree that community and contribution are vital to all aspects of life. Thanks so much!
It’s so crucial not to feel alone and isolated. I spend so much time in my own head, it’s easy to get trapped in thinking-ruts. Having a community like WU gives me a much needed reality check, a pat on the back to share good news, and a hug to soothe the bad.
A lovely post, Vaughn.
Glad you’re part of the tribe hereabouts.
Love ‘trapped in thinking-ruts’ LJ! Been there – still do that. You’ve been such a big part of our fb community. Thanks so much.
Most of my other communities are the live, in-person kind. WU is like my favorite online local bar…well, really, it’s better than that. Better conversations. As you say, so much in common. (But alas WU doesn’t serve caipirhinas.)
Agreed, on the conversation. As for the caipirinhas, if only… I’d settle for a beer, actually. Thanks for being one of our writing zen gurus, Donald. (I would’ve said ‘the’ zen guru, but there’s zen master Jane Friedman to consider. ;-) )
That’s two fabulous posts I’ve read from you, Vaughn! I’m glad to hear you’ll be contributing more to WU, because otherwise I was going to say you need a blog. You have a great conversational way of talking about the best topics!
Aw shucks, thanks so much, Lara! You and I connected over our nerdy love of Star Wars. So many ways to connect with so many wonderful tribes-folk. So glad I found you. Thanks again!
I only know you through your WU posts, Vaughn, but you’re always there making cogent comment. Good to see you take the podium. Well done.
Thanks, Alex, and right back atcha RE: being cogent. You are another solid tribe member, and I appreciate it!
You are one of the most warm and genuine people I’ve “met” online. It’s amazing how that comes through from little words on a screen.
Great post!
It is amazing, isn’t it, Erika. I felt the same about you, almost instantly. I’m feeling amazed and blessed today. Thanks for being a part of my journey.
Thanks for the link love, first of all — but more importantly, YOU GUEST POSTED! (You probably heard the dog-whistle pitch of the SQUEE I let out on reading this from all the way in your neck of the woods!) So happy!
Thanks for this post — had a craptacular morning and this was just what I needed. You rock!
Is that what that was? I thought a smoke detector was acting up. ;-) My pleasure on the link. Your tribe series was fantastic! Rock Your Writing is an awesome tribe in and of itself–more overlapping circles, right?
So glad this lifted your spirits today. That’s what we do, right? You’re friendship has been one of the great gifts of this journey. Thank you, my mentor, for all you do.
Fun post Vaughn! My hubbie used to see me sitting in my office for hours on end and tell me I needed to get out and make some real friends. How little he knew–I had a bunch of friends in the office with me already. Thanks for all your efforts at keeping that community real and happy.
It’s funny, isn’t it, Jeanne? Everyone thinks we writers are hermits, but between our characters and our tribe-mates we have lots and lots of company. My service to WU is my pleasure. Thanks for being a part of my tribe.
The saying, “Community is not about you, it’s about us” struck me in a new way when I read this. In any situation, I so easily measure something’s worth by how much it benefits me, forgetting that I benefit when the group benefits. This second-tier benefit isn’t always evident in the beginning and can cause me to fall out before I’ve had a chance to be properly knitted in. But you are right – community is about growing the connections before feeling the results. I suppose it comes down to faith and faithfulness. To the extent that we give, we receive.
Wonderful observation I didn’t touch upon, Leanne. It does take patience and faith. But oh, when it comes, the payoff for those willing to extend themselves is so often so sweet. Like a lot of other things I suppose. Such as, erm, writing a novel… Thanks for the thoughtful comment!
Lovely post, Vaughn. It’s salutory for us to be reminded of the value of community, and of this community in particular. I look forward to seeing some more guest contributions from you.
So if Anna was the one who first replied to one of my comments, you were the rabbit I chased down this magical hole, Juliet. I was googling Jacqueline Carey (a favorite of mine) and saw your interview with her here. Although I hadn’t read you yet, I knew of you, and that you were a favorite of hers, and clicked with alacrity. And I never really surfaced. Thanks for leading me here, and for your kind words.
People….People who need people…are the luckiest people in the world….. woohoos for the WU crew! thank you! t
Another great community song! Why didn’t I think of that one? Thanks, Thea. You are the consummate cheerleader. :-)
Thanks for a beautiful and inspiring post, Vaughn. I can feel your soul in every word. As an author I often feel alone, isolated, like no one understands my odd brain. But, this past year I discovered WU and it’s one of my favorite places. I tell all my students in writing workshops about WU. I’m looking forward to your next post.
Wow, thanks, Julie. I think it’s fairly universal among us to feel as you do. Hopefully you saw Sarah Callender’s wonderful post on feeling wackadoodle the other day. :-) And thanks for spreading the WU love. Sharing is another valuable component of community.
What a beautiful, thoughtful, wonderful post, Vaughn. Your genunineness and the warmth you feel toward the WU community radiates from the screen. Thank you for this today and for already having put into practice all that you hope to see. I think anyone who’s had the pleasure of interracting with you online knows you act as you believe. :)
Also, I *loved* the music references!!
Ah, my friend just across the lake. We bonded over Florence and gelato. So glad the post hit the spot for you. I’m also grinning over your love for the music references. Music has been as integral a part of my journey as has WU and community. Thanks so much for your kind praise. So glad we found one another in this very spot.
Hey Vaughn! I’ve seen your picture and read your comments on WU for months now and indeed, I love your writing in this post. The community that writers share stills blows me away. Everyone is so willing to help and happy for your successes and sad for your rejections. I actually am not familiar with any other group of people like the writers I’ve virtually met over the last two years. Quite unusual and VERY cool. Thank you for starting my day with this positiveness.
Patti
I agree, Patricia, there’s no other group I’ve ever encountered quite like my writing tribe members. Thanks for your warm praise, and for being a part of such a wonderful communtiy!
Beautiful post, Vaughn. WU has made my journey as a writer a much more effective one, as well as giving me a sense of community. You are a large part of that. Thank you, to both you and WU for all that you do.
Yay, Bernadette made it. Thanks so much for the lovely fb message yesterday when you couldn’t get here! That’s the kind of above-and-beyond that is second nature to you. I’ve come to see in a relatively short time what a big-hearted writer and wonderful tribes-mate you are. As I told you yesterday, I so appreciate your ongoing support.
This post and reading the comments have made my day *hugs everyone!*
See, Kath? See what you’ve created here? It’s so wonderful, and I can see how knowing your creation has come to be such a vibrant, living organism would make your day. All I can say is thank you, from the bottom of my heart. For everything.
Aww, now you’re making me verklempt!
Another great thing about this community — It’s always here, no matter how behind I am. I read this earlier, but haven’t made it back to say thanks Vaughn for a wonderful post! I appreciate what all the WU gang does for writers. The posts here are always informative and inspirational. I don’t think I could say thanks enough.
So true, Stacy. I’m still here, and still so appreciative of you’re comment and friendship. The immediacy of the fb page is nice, isn’t it? Whenever you have a question you can ask, and usually within mere moments there are some sort of answers. Same if you just need a break for inspiration or support. So glad to have gotten to know you this past year. Thanks, Stacy, for making your way over!
Of all the writing communities I belong to, Book Country is my favourite. All of the people I’ve encountered there have been approachable and supportive. Plus moderation is strong so the overly disruptive get booted out.
You bring up a great point, Marcie, about the need for moderation. We are all writers, and hence want to be read. But what good does it do if everyone in a group is talking and no one is listening? So glad you found a comfortable fit at Book Country! I’ll have to check it out. Thanks so much for stopping by.
I love the way you started this post, because that is exactly how I “know” you. I’ve read and enjoyed so many of your comments, your participation in the community, that I always smile and tune in when I see your avatar on the page. It’s like finding a trusted friend — I know that I’ll learn something, find a connection in whatever you write. Thanks!
p.s. I just saw you over at Jan’s site too, and I definitely want to switch dreams. Lumberyards are much better than failed math exams.
Isn’t it funny, Lisa, how our paths overlap like that? I feel the same about seeing your avatar. The lumberyard dream strikes too close to the bone for me. If I have to go back to slinging boards onto a forklift for a living, I’ll miss you all too much! Thanks for such a lovely sentiment. I’m honored.
Very inspiring post, Vaughn. My new year’s resolution has been to stop stalking a lot of great blogs and groups, and start trying to contribute something myself. Doing 5 nice things is a practical, positive, and easily accomplished step. Thanks!
Isn’t Cathy’s advice brilliant, Shelley? Seems so doable. I feel overwhelmed sometimes, but I can do five nice things in 20 minutes if I need to. Then back to my day with a song in my heart. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
[…] a writer’s mind is another writer. Community is important. Vaughn Roycroft said it best on his recenet post at Writer Unboxed. Belonging to a tribe is important. I’ve been truly blessed to develop some […]
This is truly one of your very best articles, Vaughn!
“Without our tribes we are a squeak amid a cacophony.” I laughed at the image this statement evokes, but it’s true. We are nothing without community.
This wonderful post is a clear bell cutting through the muzzy haze of solitary writing– we work alone, but we number among many, in spirit, in our goals, and in the bonds of friendship. This is how true success is measured.
Thanks so much, D! This post was a distinct turning point my my writerly journey. I was/am blown away by the outpouring I received in this post’s aftermath, and it honors me still. I am so grateful to Therese and Kath, to WU, to my tribe, and to friends like you–truly life-altering stuff! So glad you liked my turning point. :-)
[…] I’m excited today for two reasons. First, I have the honor to be guest-posting at Writer Unboxed. WU is not just my favorite writing blog, hosting some of my favorite bloggers as regular contributors, it’s the home-base of my tribe. If you haven’t already heard the tale of how I found WU, became involved, and what it means to me, take a look at my first post there, Community—What’s In It For Me. […]
[…] Vaughn Roycroft on Community — What’s In It for Me? […]