SELFLESS PURSUIT II

IX

"Get to know authentic writer friends."

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up," implied in the Book of Ecclesiastes. This is the significance of acquainting yourself with fellow writers and befriending them. Join writing groups, book clubs and other writing organizations. Attend literary events in your area as well and get a chance to meet fellow authors. Do not isolate yourself. When you are in doubt of your works, you can have someone to consult on. When you are in pain or joy, you can have someone to share with. However, always be watchful to choose your circle. Not all of them are genuine and only pretending. Some tongues are sweet like an angel but venomous as snakes. Others are also using you if they want something from you but will leave you soon for no reason. The real ones will stay with you no matter what happened. Moreover, they are like erasers who will correct you when you commit mistakes. If you found them already, keep them like diamonds.

Genuine writer friends are blessings from God. By their presence, we can walk together blissfully in this uncertain writing journey. By their care, our load can be lightened. If we stumble down, they are the ones who will lift us. Meanwhile, if we succeed, they are the ones who will celebrate with us with no envy. Go out of your room now. Do not be ashamed. Get to know true writer friends outside. Love and treasure them as soon as you meet them in the way.