From the Editor:
It's a New World -- Mostly
By Lazette Gifford
Copyright © 2007 by Lazette Gifford, All Rights Reserved
The world of writing has changed
dramatically, at least at the personal level, in the last two decades.
Twenty years ago, the idea of meeting with other writers on-line was
barely catching on. Now, it's not unusual for people from entirely
different parts of the world to meet regularly in a chat room to discuss
both real life and writing.
However, writing still remains -- and
will always remain -- a strictly personal, solitary pastime. If you
have the kind of mind that can multi-task, you might find yourself
writing while in chat (I do sometimes), and find the pleasant and even
helpful if you get stuck.
For those of who live in small towns
with no access to face-to-face groups, or those who work odd hours, or
just can't get clear of other things in order to make regular meetings,
this age of Internet access has finally allowed a contact with others
who share the same dreams and frustrations. It's ended the myth of the
solitary, anti-social writer, hiding up in an attic apartment,
scribbling away at their tomes.
Well, mostly.
Think about having those Internet
people in your home, instead of on-line. Oh, no... we will be quite
happy with your Internet friends staying mostly in electronic world,
especially when we're trying to write. A nice quiet attic sounds good,
in fact. There are days when even the cats offer too many
distractions. (Fewer cats might help.)
I love the world of the Internet. I
can't begin to tell you the number of ways it's helped me with my
writing. Research, inspiration, sympathy and a personal cheering squad
are just a few clicks away.
But it's still going to be you and the
keyboard.
You can do it!
But don't forget that there is help out
there if you need it. |
