I'm thankful for my wonderful critique partner (and fellow Bee) Dona Sarkar and my writing life mentor Pat White. These two women have made such a difference in my life.Dona, who writes YA for Kimani Tru, became my critique partner in early 2006. Though I'd known her for a little while before then, we were both looking for a CP, and decided to give it a try. She was the first one to read Never Cry Werewolf, and I read her novel, How to Salsa in a Sari. We worked so well together!
Both of us finished our respective critiques by saying, "This is going to be it! I can feel it!" And, remarkably, we were right! Within a year, we both had made our first sales.
She's become since then a great friend and my fashion consultant. She was my date to the Golden Hearts in 2006 when I won the YA category. She and her charming hubby even made the trek to Belltown last night to celebrate my birthday. I heart Dona!
I'm also thankful for Pat White, who writes for Harlequin Intrigue. She was the first published author to offer to help me with a synopsis -- and I remember being blown away that a real author would help me out. Since then, she's been a mentor and great friend. When everything changed in an instant in my personal life and I found myself on my own -- Pat was the one who coached me through the really tough parts. She's always the first to say, "Put on your big girl panties and deal!" And whenever we're stuck with a plot -- a quick phone call to each other sorts it all out. I heart Pat!
Of course, I'm also grateful for the Buzz Blog Girls. These talented women have made the last year and a half a blast. I'm learning so much from you guys! I'm so thankful we all found each other and pooled our time and effort into this blog. It's been incredibly helpful and fun. And most importantly, on a rainy day in a writing career, the Buzz Girls always share their umbrellas!
So there you have it. You don't make it writing on your own. Having a support system of great critique partners, mentors, and writing friends is key.
XXO,
Heather
Heather Davis is the author of
Never Cry Werewolf
Coming in April 2009 from HarperCollins
Posts
5 comments:
Heather,
I hope you are happy. You almost made me cry! :) Dona is the bomb and I'm so jealous that you guys got to hang out together. Seeing everybody just once a year isn't nearly enough. And how generous of Pat to help you out. She sounds like a keeper!
xo,
Steph
How right you are, Heather, that a support system makes all the difference. I'm so happy you have the Dona and Pat as your partners--and that we have you and Dona here with us, too!
A a shout-out to my own fabulous critique partner, Kelly Parra, who keeps me grounded and on course...
You stole Pat from Chicago! She is an amazing person, you are definitely lucky to have her in yoru life. And Dona is the sweetest ever. You're lucky to have such great friends.
By the way, Heather, you've been a great friend, too!
~Simone
What an awesome, wonderful post, Heather. And you're right...writing is a solitary activity when you're doing the actual writing, but it certainly takes a community of support to get through every day in this business. So grateful for my support system, for you, and for the Buzz Girls!
Hugs!
Marley = )
Yay! Group hug. I love the Bees!
xxo,
Heath
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