Welcome to my world as a writer! Let me reassure you those earlier questions of doubt happened to most of us. I, too, faced similar insecurities and conquered them because of my TRIBE. With their help, I am now an award-winning author.
A TRIBE is comprised of literary experts/ambassadors, editors, or relationships with fellow authors, and is key to providing support and inspiration. Every writer should gather a TRIBE to help them succeed. The TRIBE includes people and resources, and if you open your heart, you will discover some have already crossed your path. Here is your TRIBE:
T–Teachers: The experts are your teachers in the literary world. During my writing journey, I transitioned from writing with a corporate voice to using my writing voice, and it was a struggle. As I explored my writing voice, I studied the rules of novel writing – rules about dialogue, show don’t tell, overuse of adverbs, et cetera. Because of my challenges, my first book took six years to write. Had I taken the time to invite a literary expert/teacher on my journey, the book would have been published sooner.
R–Relationships: Everything in the writing world is about the relationships you establish. Join writers’ groups within the writing community that represent your genre. I surrounded myself with author friends who later became my editors and a few who are masters at creating book hooks, titles, and a synopsis. Your relationships are crucial to creating support around your projects.
I–Investors: There are many authors out there who will help invest in your project as a mentor. Again, begin with building relationships. As you get to know them, reach out to a few who write in your genre. You can start with the circle of author friends you establish and choose one or two who will mentor you. Soon, you will position yourself to do the same for another up-and-coming author.
B–Believe: Trust that writing is what you are called to do and, by doing so, you commit to cultivate and grow your gift. Set aside time for your personal development. This includes surrounding yourself with great writing resources. There is an endless supply of self-help books and online/virtual classes to consider. Set aside time to pause from writing to study and grow.
E–Expectations: Believing is expecting. The God of all creativity has given us our creative gifts, and He is on our team as He walks with us through the stages of our creative writing. Seek His wisdom with your writing. Prayer creates the expectation of a rewarding outcome.
Author & Contributor
