Community Revisited—Watching the Ripples Roll
By Vaughn Roycroft | July 2, 2013 |
If you’re new to WU, you may not be aware that today’s poster, Vaughn Roycroft, plays two key roles within Writer Unboxed. He’s the leader of the Mod Squad, which keeps our community on Facebook both congenial and a promo-free zone. He also culls the best craft-related posts written by WU’s readership—that’s you—and shares them with our Writer Inboxed newsletter subscribers on a bimonthly basis. (Our July-August letter will be published very soon, but there’s still time to sign up–right here.) We appreciate him and his contributions tremendously. Really. He’s a gem.
Now back to Vaughn. Enjoy!
My Confucian Pebble:
My first post for Writer Unboxed appeared here a bit over a year ago. It was titled, Community—What’s In It For Me, and it was one of the first essays I’d ever written. In the article, I make the case that individual voices gain power through community. I wrote: “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.”
For me, the post itself was a Confucian pebble. It stirred things up—particularly in the realm of blogging. I enjoyed the experience of connecting with so many of my tribe-mates in what was then a new milieu for me. A month or so later I started my own blog. Since then I’ve published over thirty articles there, written a half-dozen guest-posts, and been interviewed by two other WU tribe-mates for their blogs. And the ripples roll.
Unboxed Growth:
Also since that first community post, WU successfully launched Writer Inboxed, the WU newsletter (for which I am honored to be a contributor), and the WU Facebook Group’s membership has more than doubled in size. Rereading the first article, I was clearly aware of the benefits of community. I knew there was power in connectivity. I just didn’t know its extent.
I still don’t. I continue to be an amazed observer and participant in our joint experiment in tribe-building. And when you’re unboxed, there are no limits.
Far-flung Fellows Become Fast Friends:
WUers can be found from coast to coast in North America, and come from more than a dozen other countries. While watching the world news one night, my wife wryly said, “So who do you know from there?” I must have looked baffled, so she went on to explain that I so often announce the name of a WUer who hails from the current newsworthy corner of the globe, she’s come to expect it.
WU has spawned hundreds of personal connections that have led to friendships. And many extend beyond mere social media followings. Members come together beyond the WU group page and blog. They connect on Facebook and Twitter, on blogs and at conferences. The group has spawned critique partnerships and beta swaps, and even several subgroups to serve various functions or connect in various venues.
There’s Growth and then There’s Growth:
We haven’t just grown larger as a group. I’ve witnessed some amazing personal growth, too. Members—including me—have met mentors and editors, as well as esteemed publishing colleagues. These links have furthered careers and nurtured artistic progress. All it takes, as I point out in my first post on community, is a willingness to reach out—to get involved. But it must be done with reciprocation, restraint, humility, and patience. As is the case when shepherding any friendship, we reap what we have sown.
Going Live:
As an example of the unique feelings of connection the group fosters, I give you the first annual Writer Unboxed Conference.
Oh, it hasn’t happened yet. The idea has been bandied about before, but this past winter it came up again on the group page. When WU blog mama Therese asked for feedback, the thread exploded with scores of comments and hundreds of likes. The outpouring made it clear that many of us want to take our virtual friendships to another level by going live. (Therese butts in for a second to say that things look very good for this to become an actuality. More later…)
Watching the Waves Roll:
With each new issue of the newsletter, I have the opportunity to discuss the benefits derived from our writing community. It’s made me a bit more than a simple participant. I’m an interested and biased observer—a proactive advocate, if you will. And I heartily enjoy the role.
It’s like sitting on my bench atop the dune, overlooking the shore. I watch ripples begin on the WU blog and group page, then become waves. I’ve seen tribe-mates become friends, and for those friendships to flourish in wonderful and unexpected ways. I’ve witnessed guest-post swaps and the birth of blogging collaborations. I’ve seen agent-pitching opportunities created and shared, and query letter workshops, and opening-paragraph-critique sessions. I’ve seen friends volunteer to edit the works of others, in preparation for an oncoming deadlines. I see friends offering encouragement, commiseration, and camaraderie on a daily basis.
Some waves are bigger and more powerful than others, but even the small ones shimmer and sparkle when they catch the light. Be they cresting whitecaps or rolling swells, they are all lovely to behold.
Tribal Tidal Waves:
I was particularly moved by two recent instances of community outreach and support. Two WU members found themselves in difficult straits due to health issues. Both needed financial support. In response, dozens of WU members stepped up to offer what they could—to the cumulative result of thousands of dollars raised. It’s what friends do for one another, but these tribal waves are more like surging tsunamis. And they fill this biased community observer’s heart to overflowing. I consider myself blessed to have found my tribe.
How about you? Have your pebble ready? Have you created any ripples? Is your community making waves?
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.
[…] So with that in mind, allow me to say I am honored to redirect you to the source of my writerly wave, Writer Unboxed, for my article: Community Revisited, Watching the Ripples Roll. […]
I love this, Vaughn, and I have loved getting to know you via WU. Can you imagine where we’d be without WU? Screwed, that’s where. Screwedville, USA.
With community we can make waves . . . and we all know the power and awesomeness of a great wave. How cool!
Thank you for all you do, Vaughn.
I agree, Sarah. And remember, Screwedville is right down the road from Regretsville and only a hoot and a holler outside of Disillusionland. So,yes, thank goodness our writerly trains made the stop and bypass here at WU!
Thanks for routinely sharing the gift of laughter here, Sarah. Glad to have you in my life!
Wonderful post, Vaughn. I’ve seen some genuinely amazing things born as a result of this great community. I hope the conference happens–I truly look forward to connecting in person with so many of these people I’d call friends.
Thanks, Heather! Isn’t it getting funny how long it feels like we’ve known each other and so many others in the tribe? And we still haven’t met IRL.
I think the WU conference is a wave that cannot be stopped. It will only get bigger as it nears the shores of reality. Should be one heck of a ride!
I have written a post on the power of the “tribe”before (to borrow Jeff Goin’s term). In a pursuit that can be solitary, it is so good and nurturing to have the feedback, cheering, humor and accountability of other writers. I appreciate those in my circle very much. Great thoughts, Vaughn. Thanks.
I think “nurturing” and “accountability” are apt words to describe what we are and what goes on in our community, but I particularly love the words “cheering” and “humor.” Thanks to my tribe, I often feel encouraged just when I need it, and I laugh and smile almost every day. Thanks, Julie!
Vaughn, I loved this post so much. I’ve both seen and been the recipient of the generosity and caring of this tribe, and I’m grateful I found so many wonderful friends. Thanks for all you do–you’re fantastic.
Ah, gratitude! Can’t say it enough, in regards to WU. And I’m so grateful to have you in my life, J9! I know T is grateful to have you behind the scenes here, too. Thanks for all you do!
Yes, very grateful — to both of you, and to so many others.
Thanks for a wonderful post, V.
Great post, Vaughn, and oh so true. I can’t even imagine where I’d be now if I hadn’t stumbled across the WU blog, followed a link, and been brave enough to click the “Join Group” button on the WU Facebook group.
I’ve made friends, had the chance to critique some great work by writers who were ones just names and icons on the screen but are now at least as much a part of my life as anyone I’ve met in Meat-Land, and learned so much from the experiences of others..
Plus, as one of those “far-flung” writers from Down Under aka Australia aka Future-Land, I also appreciate the chance to meet people I otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to. (And to have such fantastic conversations at two in the morning that sleep has become something I did BWU.)
Jo – We are so blessed to have so many friends from Future-Land in our tribe, and particularly you. I’ve seen so many threads where you’ve jumped in to help someone who asked a question on the page, and without fail, you bring a unique perspective to the collective wisdom that is WU. You are a prime example of what makes WU so special.
I agree about feeling as close to so many of my tribe-mates here in the virtual world as in Meat-Land (which really made me laugh!). Thanks for all you offer to enrich my community and my life, my friend from Down Under!
Until there was you, Vaughn, I didn’t know anyone from coastal Michigan.
We humbly call it the Third Coast. Until there was you, my community was lacking in the witty quips department. But you add so much more than wittiness, Thea. Thank you for your friendship!
you get me, dude
Excellent post, Vaughn! I’ve always felt like we’re all part of a big family here, and I love how much that family has grown and keeps on growing. Also very excited about the possibility of a WU conference!
There is a family-like aspect, isn’t there, Lydia? And it’s amazing and wonderful to me that WU maintains that aspect even as we grow and grow. Can’t wait to meet you at the conference!
I think when I joined WU on Facebook three years ago (this month, actually) there weren’t five-hundred members yet. I’ve met some astounding people- writers like yourself, Vaughn, with huge hearts willing to take on newbies like me and pass along any wisdom. Because of WU, I continue writing, even when the words are as tough as leather and my inner critic screams. Because I know I’m not alone.
So, thank you Vaughn for this post.
And thank you WU creators and friends.
What a long, strange, and remarkably un-lonely trip it’s been. :)
The fact that writers and industry folks from all levels are so welcoming and helpful is a big part of WU’s success. It happens here and on the page almost every day, and I never cease to be awed by it.
Thanks, Tonia, for being such a big part of my long, strange, and remarkably unlonely journey. Such an apt description. I would only add: enlightening. I’ve learned so much about myself and the world around me, in no small part due to my community.
I’ve experienced several writing “communities”. WU is the first one I’ve been in that truly lives up to the word. Since I’ve joined, I’ve found friends and journey companions from all over the place, as well as from all over the experience spectrum. The amazing thing is, that while no meeting outside the virtual realm has taken place yet (I expect to change that at the WU Retreat), the people I’ve met *matter* as much to me as the writing folx I have met IRL. This community is filled with bright, talented, funny, serious, understanding, generous people. I thank Jacqueline Carey, actually, because if she hadn’t posted about an article by Juliet Marillier on the WU blog, I might not have found the community when I did. And then I wouldn’t know so many of the wonderful people I do.
That Jacqueline Carey interview by Juliet is exactly the rabbit I chased down this wonderful writerly hole, as well. Very glad I did. I’m with you–even though it is virtual, the people I’ve met *matter* just as much, and so many have become friends in the truest spirit of the word. Thanks for being one of them, Lisa!
I’m very grateful for all the things I’ve learned here on WU. It’s been an immeasurable help in my writing. Thanks, everyone, for all your input, blog posters and commenters alike!
I agree, the collective wisdom here is hard to beat. Thanks, Carmel!
Vaughn, my personal life has taken a tumble. It’s been whackadoo and stressed out for almost 2 years. And even though I have gone through many changes in that time, one thing has not: the WU Facebook group and my [as yet unfinished] manuscript have been unchanging touchstones. It has warmed my heart to see my WU friends leave uplifting comments on my personal page. No matter where I go in life, as long as I’ve got internet access, I’ve got a support group! (and I’m lucky enough to count you among them. ;))
Great post, my friend!
In spite of our incredible growth, WU has offered me a wonderful constant, as well, Lara. I glad we (your tribe/support group) could be a part of that stability through the whackadoo. And thanks for all you do for the community. You are one of the unsung heroes of the group page, and I really appreciate your contributions, my friend!
A wonderful post that truly sums up my feelings about WU. Never have I entered a community more welcoming, supporting, and informative. It’s an amazing site and one that has had a profound impact on my writing. A conference sounds delightful. Too, I’m looking forward to “WU: The Musical.” Can’t wait.
Christina, you made me laugh with WU: The Musical. I’m imagining some pretty crazy cross-genre mash-ups in the song list. I’m with you on “profound impact” on my writing. Thanks for being such a supportive contributor on the page!
Usually when I comment on a blog post I jot down my first impressions as I read through, rather than waiting until the end to collect my random thoughts.
I couldn’t this time. I was caught up in the moment and the emotion, surfing the wave of this beautiful post. Your eloquent words truly sum up all that’s good about our tribe of WU’ers.
Never have I met such an engaged, caring, sharing, and dedicated group of individuals. Their life stories and the stories of their hearts bring us together in a way I would never have thought possible in a virtual community. My own journey as a writer is enriched and supported by these connections.
My town doesn’t have a local writer’s group, something that once made me sad. Now I can’t imagine any small group as diverse, exciting, and knowledgable as the one we have in WU.
Thank you to the Mods– Vaughn, Kim, Valerie, and Heather who work so hard each day to maintain our writing home. Thank you to Therese and Kathleen for making it happen. Thank you to the daily website contributors who share their writerly wisdom. Thank you to the staff who works so hard to bring us a fresh and relevant newsletter every other month. Thank you to each member for the contributions, respect, and personality that makes WU a place I love to be.
<3
Wow, D. Thank you for your kind words. And speaking of eloquent, what a great list of WU gratitude. I’m with you. There are no contributors who “phone in” a post. Every day I know I will find something special, here and on the group page. There is a special spirit of generosity and humility that pervades the ongoing conversation. It boils down to the founders. The specialness of WU is most assuredly a reflection of Therese’s and Kath’s personalities.
Thanks for your eloquent enhancement of my post! And for being one of our most informative, supportive and encouraging members, D!
Wonderful post. I’ve been more of a WU stalker than an active participant, but have culled wonderful advice, encouragement, and motivation from reading posts like yours. A WU conference sounds awesome!
Stalkers are welcome, Densie! After all, I started as one. And it’s not so true on the group page. We’ll take whatever contribution you can offer, but I’m very glad that the community enhances your writing journey.
The WU community on Facebook has helped me through several sticky situations in my NIP over the past few months–problems I could have been stuck on for a long time. But more than that, it means so much to me to know that I can help others in the same way, and that I can always turn to a group for understanding and support when I’m dealing with frustration and exhaustion. It has been a hard year, and I feel like I’m finally beginning to find my tribe here.
Seems like it to me, Laura. You’ve been a steady contributor since you joined, and your queries for the group always incite great conversations, to the benefit of all. You’ve been a role model for how to make a graceful entrance into an established community. So, as a moderator, I thank you. Keep it up (contributing, not being stuck, and making steady progress on the NIP)!
Denise said it all, so very nicely, that I’ll just say “ditto.”
You may not realize it Vaughn, but I think you rank up there as one of the faces of WU. You help to create the warm, welcoming atmosphere we all encounter. So, thanks, for sharing of yourself and being real. :)
Very humbling indeed, Lara, to be labeled as one of the faces of WU. You’ve always been so supportive. Thanks for being a part of my life, my friend!
I agree with Lara. When I think WU the first person who comes to mind is you, Vaughn.
Thanks Vaughn, for helping a newbie to the community learn more about the ‘work’ of how it works. Checking in and reading has quickly become a daily ritual and, half of the days, I head off to the writing nook with another sharp tool or perspective to apply. That not only cuts the sense of isolation, but also cranks up my enthusiasm. Sometimes I see the results that same day.
And though–what is it?–200,000 books written each year compete for 1,000 slots in bookstore shelving and Amazon postings, (a statistic that would seem to make cut throat competition the only way to exist) the congeniality among us inspires celebration for books making the shelves and for new writers getting better.
It seems all writers have to play the mental game at one time or another. (“Why do I do this?’ ‘I’m just a dude in a room.’) This community helps dismantle those doldrums, which allows us to make our writing better. I’m a big believer that with persistence every writer’s work will bear fruit. That support from WU is the real gift that Kathleen, Therese, you and many others make possible. I look forward to getting to know you all.
The same happened for me, Tom–the blog quickly became a ritual. The one-stop-shopping aspect, offering top-drawer content from so many esteemed voices, drew me right back, day after day. And I too found, and continue to find, that what I find here, and on the group page, offer an immediate benefit. My writing days generally go better after taking the time to read and to be inspired by the WU community.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. Looking forward to getting to know you, as well!
So many topics are covered by WU, even captioning cartoons! Glad I found it!
I’m glad you found WU, too, Mary Jo! Thanks for your comment.
Thank you so much for this, Vaughn. I am so proud and honored to be working alongside you on the “Mod Squad” and I treasure my friendship with you, Therese, and the all the wonderful writers I’ve met because of WU. Writing can be such a solitary pursuit, and I’m naturally a bit of a loner. It’s exhilarating and inspiring to be a part of a tribe!
I’m a fairly sentimental guy, I suppose. And some people might pooh-pooh my throwing around of terms like ‘tribe’ and ‘friend’ when talking about an online writing group. But they just don’t get it.
Please indulge this sentimental guy with quick bit of Mod Squad love. You and I talk to each other almost every day, often many times a day. You are such a big and valued part of my life, as are Valerie and Heather and T. I look forward to hearing from you all, I want to share news with you when I have it, and I miss you when I haven’t heard from you. If that’s not friendship, I don’t know what is. Being proud and honored works both ways. Thank you for being my friend, Kim!
That brought tears to my eyes…I’m a big softie as well. We really must have some Mod Squad retreat at some point – with T if she can make it.
I treasure all of you!
I would definitely try to make it. Love you guys. (I think this mushy stuff is contagious!)
This post gives me the warm and fuzzies Vaughn.
I have my pebble ready, but I haven’t dropped it yet. I’m still enjoying the white water rapids of other members pebbles.
White water rapids makes my day, Brian! And you may still have your pebble, but don’t think you’re not already making ripples. You are a steady, supportive and valued contributor to our community. (I know, I know, more warm & fuzzies, but true!)
Vaughn, thanks for such a nice post. I am a ‘would-like-to-be’ writer and for several years I have been trying to get the momentum, initiative or whatever you call it to begin a novel. I have been saving all my Unboxed Writer blogs to read at another time, but decided today to read yours just as soon as I got it. Perhaps these blogs will help me/push me in the direction I want to go. So I’m making a commitment. I will read each and every day the new blog and read one of the old ones that I have saved. I want to make a ripple–to throw a pebble, albeit, a tiny, tiny one. Perhaps you have thrown your particular pebble far-flung enough to reach me. Thanks, Vaughn. If you have any particular suggestions for me on how to begin my pursuit of writing, please mention it.
Eileen, I’ve had a wonderful day, reading this outpouring from my tribe-mates, but you’ve really gone and made the day exemplary. To think I would have any small part in giving a fellow writer ‘the nudge’ to get going is very special indeed.
I applaud your decision to read two WU posts a day. Perhaps for your second one, you could start by going to the search box in the right sidebar, and clicking “catagories’ then starting in on the posts tagged “Inspirational.” If I could recommend any preliminary craft books to read, my current favorites are by our own Donald Maass (Writing 21st Century Fiction), Lisa Cron (Wired for Story), and Cathy Yardley (Rock Your Plot). But I also loved On Writing, by Stephen King; Bird by Bird, by Anne LaMott; and The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield.
But I don’t think it matters what you read, so much as just doing it. I would recommend setting aside an hour, or however much time you can, to sitting and getting words on the page each day (at least 5 days a week). Initially it doesn’t matter if those words are a part of a novel, or even a story. It could be journaling or blogging or book reviews… anything. You just need to get in the habit of writing to express yourself daily.
When I started, I purposefully self-deluded. I did not want to think about the scope of what I was beginning. I told myself I was just scribbling notes for a story I might one day read to my nieces and nephews (we shared a love fantasy stories). I did what I call free-from vomit-drafting. I was just throwing up whatever came to mind for my world and my story into a Word doc. At some point, after perhaps several months of doing this, I decided to try a scene of prose. It wasn’t even the first scene of my story (which took the pressure off). I simply tried to compose a scene the way my favorite authors work looked on the page. It took some time, but even after imitating the style of my literary heroes, I eventually found my own voice.
So I suppose my two most important pieces of advice are:
1- (the Nike slogan) Just do it! Everyday.
2- Don’t wait. Start today!
Thanks again for letting me know. Best wishes for your exciting journey ahead, Eileen! Please keep us posted as to your progress.
Thank you for the wonderful advice–and the names of some craft books you think valuable. I have recently thought that writing reviews would be a wonderful way to hone what writing skill I might presently have, so your advice certainly hit a chord. Librarything.com and GoodReads are always looking for someone to review, not to mention Amazon. I am off and running starting today–beginning with the Inspirational category you suggested. I shall keep you posted.
A thousand thank yous from Ann Arbor. I stumbled upon WU while researching an agent and while I didn’t end up with that particular agent, I did end up with a wonderful lunch break ritual: reading WU.
I appreciate the instructive posts and I love the comments. What a lovely group of respectful, insightful, creative and witty people. You have all been delightful lunch companions for the past two years.
Sounds like a perfect lunchtime ritual, Julie! My WU ritual involves morning coffee. I don’t have a nearby coffeehouse, where I can join a group of regulars shooting the bull. But I do have WU! I always love the comments here, too. It’s so much more than just a blog and a set of comments. It’s a genuine conversation. I almost always come back to read them once or twice a day after I post my own. There are always gems to be found.
Fellow Michigander props to the east side of the state. AA is one of my favorite towns to visit (even though I am a Spartan). Thanks for sharing!
Vaughn,
I greatly appreciate all the things I am learning from the Writers Unboxed blog and the Writers Unboxed Facebook group. Thanks for all you do.
Carol, My pleasure to serve. Thank you for being a part of our community, and for reading and commenting.
Vaughn-
The geographic diversity of this wonderful community grew larger today. Indeed, we’re from places I didn’t even know were on the map: Screwedville, Regrestville, Dissillusionland, Future-Land, the Third Coast.
(Well, I’ve been to Australia and coastal Michigan but they seemed different.)
I share the warm feelings about this community, although talk of “WU: The Musical” makes me nervous. It is illegal for me to sing in fourteen states, and I’m not welcomed to warble in the others. But, hey, do put Keith Cronin in the pit orchestra! The show will rock.
Seriously, what I like about this place is that everyone is respectful, supportive, kind, generous and honest. It’s great to read the testimonials above but I’m not surprised. Giving and getting feed into each other, blend and finally become the same thing: community.
Believe it or not, even this agent and craft Yoda, needs a place to hang with like-minded folks who care about the things that I care about too. Here in the New York industry I get all the networking I want. My industry colleagues are great friends but by and large they’re not writers. They love story but don’t discuss it or the process with the same depth and understanding that I find here.
So thanks Mod Squad, Therese and Kathleen, and everyone who makes this community the haven it is. How funny to go to work, log in…and find yourself at home. This is a great place to be.
Oh, and as to the upcoming conference…what a joy that will be, a family reunion without ancient grudges or ring-molded Jello salad. Can’t wait.
(Therese crosses ‘ring-mold Jello salad’ off the catering list…)
Grateful and enriched we are, to have our craft Yoda’s involvement. Seriously, I know I speak for the entire community when I say how much we appreciate you, Don. No pressure, but you have a wonderful way of taking so many of the conversations here to totally new level.
As much as I try to avoid it, I am often sucked into “industry angst.” Time and time again, you remind all of us that it’s really just about doing the best we can on the page, and continuing to stretch as writers. As I know you do. Not just in each new book you write, but in each of your monthly articles and newsletter pieces. WU is blessed, not just by your time and the wisdom you share, but by your humor and inspirational outlook.
I think it’s wonderful to be “home” when I log in, as well. And I’m really looking forward to the grudge-and-jello-salad-free family reunion. Thank you!
Aw, thanks Vaughn.
(And Therese, for crossing off the ring-molded Jello salad…and the ground work you’re doing for the first WU retreat, conference or whatever it will be named!)
Yeye Vaughn, I second that compliment. Don is one of the reasons why I’m going to keep my Padawan Braid nice and tight, so I can become a Jedi (author).
I am new to the WU community but so very thankful I stumbled in here … I reconnected with an old friend and it’s truly a pleasure to hang out here. I am longtime Blueboarder (a most supportive children’s writing community started by Verla Kay) but find myself dropping my pebble in here as well. Thanks to all who make this a wonderful writing community.
We’re happy to have your pebble, Vijaya! In my first community piece, I spoke of overlapping and far-extending circles. I believe that groups that overlap only make each one stronger! I’m glad you stumbled over. Thanks for sharing!
Dude. If you don’t know how I feel about you and the WU community by now, it’s hopeless. You haven’t been listening.
Can you tell I’d suck at writing greeting cards? ;)
Seriously, we might write different genres, live in different countries, and represent different sexes, but you’ve said all I’d want to say in vastly more poetic language. I’ll just leave it at “thank you.”
I’ve been listening, and I think you’d make one hell of a greeting card writer, Boss! I might be sentimental (even bordering on sappy), but nothing says brings people together like laughter. And you have a special gift for finding the humor in everything.
How is it that I feel like we’ve been friends forever when the calendar tells me otherwise? Maybe it’s because you’ve been there for me through some of the most important years of my life. (See? I told you I was sappily sentimental–but I can’t help it when it comes to great friends!) As to your thanks, you are most assuredly welcome, my friend.
Wonderful post! I love the WU community, and I’ve been so grateful to find friends like you, Denise, Jo… so many people! It’s really an amazing place — an amazing family.
Ah, here’s the mentor in my writerly family. I know I’ve said it before, but finding you has been one of the great benefits of my involvement in WU. I consider so many here to be mentors, but the depth of your active involvement in my journey has been a special blessing.
(Btw, I haven’t forgotten my bi-weekly accountability report is due today. It’s been a busy day, but I’ll get to it.) Thanks for everything, Cathy!
If one were on the outside looking in, and making a list of what WU was all about, it would soon be a lengthy one of writerly advice and accomplishment. But that’ s only a list of the picture.
If one were to step inside they would find a community of writerly comrades ready to accept and nurture each other’s writerly dreams. A place where everyone knows your name and maybe even the name of your WIP…
Damn, I just realized something, we’re like the writerly version of the Cheers bar. :) Thank you Vaughn, Therese and everyone for all you do for us on a daily basis. Cheers!
Very cleverly done, B! I only wonder, if it’s true that we’re like Cheers, am I Norm or Cliff? No wait, don’t answer that. I guess I do like the idea of having my own special WU barstool.
I know that we are blessed to have you inside. You are such a valued and consistent contributor! Thanks for your support, encouragement, and friendship, B!
Vaughn, though I have shied away from Facebook because I understand it gives one an unsightly rash, I heartily second (well, at this comment point, I heartily 60th or something like that) your reading of the warmth and depth of the WU community here. They are such durn smarty-pantses without being smarty-alecks. All you have to do is shout “Word party!” and people bring the potato salad without hesitation. This is a great place.
I’m a member of Seth Godin’s Tribes network, and have exchanged much merriment with some of the folks there, so much so that a few of them have come and spent the night at my house (and made pancakes in the morning). I feel like I’ve made some lifelong friends there, though they should pay for the maple syrup next time. In the short time I’ve loosened my shoelaces here, I’ve seen that WU has that genuine camaraderie.
Seriously though, great post, and lovely to see the comment pebbles ripple through the warm waters here.
Hi Tom! I had that same allergic reaction to FB when I first joined. And I still get the Twitter Jitters. I’m not sure if it was a matter of gaining immunity through exposure, or if that ointment I was using made the difference (coincidentally, it’s maple syrup-based–sticky on the skin, but handy if your coffee is too bitter), but I’ve grown to love FB, in no small part due to the smarty-pants members of the WU group I’ve gotten to know there.
I think I met about two-thirds of my FB friends through WU, but it’s hard to gage. Rather than being FB friends or WU friends, I consider most of them just friends now. I’m glad you found merriment and camaraderie over at Seth’s Tribes network, but we are very glad to have you here (more overlapping circles). You bring so much more to the WU breakfast table than great pancakes. Your wit and insight are like a brisk infusion of summer-fresh morning air through an open window.
Thanks for your kind words. Glad you’ve loosened your shoelaces. Feel free to take them off and stay a spell.
Uh oh Vaughn, not sure I can continue reading after hearing you’re a Sparty! ;)
#GoBlue!!
i’m more than a little taken aback i didn’t realize what a community WU is, though it shoulda been evident in the fb comments alone :-)
thank ya’ll for being smart, tickling my smile, and just plain being around…
best wishes, for “all” of us :-)
Felipe, I’m sure the longer you stay the more entwined you will become in this wonderful community (in a good way). WU has a way of working its way into your heart, and creating connections and friendships that last. Glad to have you aboard!
thank you vaughn, very glad to be here :-)
besides the great articles, one of the first things i noticed when starting to visit this site, was how the author of the post responded to or commented back on people’s comments, that’s really great; thanks again
Lovely post, Vaughn. Group hug!
Group hug, indeed! Thanks, Cindy!
Well, just when my spirits need a lift, I check in to find inspiration at WU. Thanks for this post, Vaughn. I’m hoping we all get to meet sooner than later, and my fingers are crossed that I’ll get to host you in Salem.
I’m already getting so excited by Salem, and not just for the chance to meet our lovely hostess! I’m so glad the timing worked out for you. Actually, it worked out the same for me. And what a lift this wonderful tribe provided! In closing, I’ll just say: Be seeing you, Brunonia!
This may be one of my favorite WU posts. I love the visual, the heart-felt emotion, and all of the comments. But most of all, I love the people behind WU and what they’ve created. It is not judgmental, exclusive, snobby, or stiff. On any given day, a WU post either leaves me inspired, enlightened, entertained, or encouraged.
Vaughn, I’m so glad you are part of this community and by the comments, I know I’m not alone. I’m grateful to have had the chance to meet you IRL and look forward to the next time–hopefully at WU: The Musical. I’m so there.
High praise, Hallie! But I so agree about the comments. Such a wonderful two-way exchange of well-wishes and friendship. I’m so glad we got to meet IRL, and I’m certain we will be hanging out again soon. Maybe we can sing a duet for WU: The Musical (we really have discussed karaoke). Thanks for your kind words! Be seeing you!
I’m more of a lurker here on WU, and usually reading the posts a day or two, or three late. But want to say how much I enjoy the posts and comments. Great post, Vaughn
Thanks, Mary! As I said somewhere above, lurkers welcome. I started out as one here, and it took me a long time to comment at all. Please know you are always welcome to join the conversation, whenever the spirit moves you (even a day or two late)!