The Creativity Project: Support
I’ve found a great tribe.
I’m not going to lie, my tribe of friends is the best.
Recently, I reached out to my family and friends to find beta readers for my debut novel. And I was not ready for the overwhelming response of love and support I got.
I cried happy tears.
I actually had to turn away offers for help because so many people responded to me. That was a very unique experience and the opposite of what I feared would happen.
In reality, I shouldn’t have been surprised about the support I got. I’ve spent years cultivating my friend group to only include people who support me. It’s not just yes-people, there are plenty of people in my group that will tell me when I mess something up.
And I think it’s important, not just as a writer, but as a person to surround yourself with people who have your best interests at heart. People who will tell you that they think a scene in your book makes no sense for X, Y, and Z reasons. People who will offer to be at your side when you go to talk to someone who could further your career. People who will let you know when you are being “that guy.”
I’ve had plenty of people in recent memory who claimed they were that type of person, but treated me like I was less than they were. Who only used me for what they could get out of me. And when I stood up for myself, dropped me or treated me like garbage.
I’m not friends with them anymore. I know in this day and age of social media, the more “friends” you have and the more likes you get, the better. I’d much rather keep my friend group small and have them keep me humble and on the right track than have people who don’t have my best interests at heart.
I challenge you to look at your circle and ask yourself why these people have access to you. Why do you have that friend who gives you anxiety when you go over to their house? Are you afraid to let them go or is it something else?
Find your tribe, hold them close, and treat them like they should be treated.
