Writers: Please Bookmark this Site

A “Safe Haven for Writers”

Whenever I come across a great site for writers, I like to pass it along to friends and colleagues. We all should do whatever we can to encourage writers who inspire us through their websites and blogs.

I want to share a real find. Martha Engber’s thoughtful and informative blog Growing Great Writers From the Ground Up. Martha knows her craft; she’s worn just about every cap a writer can. She’s a published author, journalist, playwright and now blogger. Her blog has useful material for both fiction and nonfiction writers.

In the interest of transparency, you need to know that Martha recently wrote about Rosie’s Daughters: The “First Woman To” Generation Tells Its Story and our winning a 2008 IPPY Book Award. But this post is not payback. It is, however, how I happened to discover her site.

When I read Martha’s June 13, 2008, post “Too Much Talk of Business Can Kill the Writing Spirit,” I knew I had to share her site with all of you. She’d recently listened to children’s book author Tim Myers warn writers not to let the business of writing extinguish their passion for writing and used his comments as a springboard for heralding the writing life. They make a good case, and I hope you never lose your love of words and expression. Having the power to eloquently and effectively communicate is a most satisfying thing.

I respect all artists–writers, painters, musicians, everyone that is driven by passion for their art, and selling be damned. For myself, I don’t find conflict between the business and art of my writing. As I strive to be a successful author-entrepreneur, I’ve never compromised my work or sold out. In truth, I’m pleased to know when someone has read and enjoyed my writing. And I believe that taking the time to know my audience is part of the equation that makes me successful.

There is no right or wrong here. Just a matter of style. If you consider yourself an Author-Entrepreneur (an Authorpreneur) I hope that you never lose your love of writing in the pursuit of success. And for that reason, I suggest you stop and take pleasure in your writing regularly. Martha’s blog will help keep you on a good path.