My November Conversation With My Writing Buddy

By Val
@valmnz (17095)
New Zealand
November 10, 2015 12:14am CST
About once a month I meet with a writing friend and we discuss how things are going. We usually meet in a cafe opposite one of the local tertiary institutions, as the atmosphere is always relaxed. The coffee is pretty good too. Sometimes we discuss our work in progress, other times we set ourselves a little exercise for the coming month's meeting. Last month we agreed it would be fun to write between 300 and 600 words totally unrelated to what each of us is working on, a totally creative piece. This was obviously a much needed change, as we both produced work that was refreshing and an example of what each of us can do when we take the time to explore new ideas. I really appreciate the time I spend with my writing buddy as we talk writing and give each other valuable feedback. It also means I know I have to have something to share when the time comes. I am so lucky to have support like this.
11 people like this
13 responses
Fiacre Banks
@xFiacre (14801)
• Ireland
10 Nov 15
@valmnz I'm meeting up with a writer for much in the city today but we're not writing buddies, just friends who like to write.
3 people like this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
11 Nov 15
And I'm sure you find that motivational.
Fiacre Banks
@xFiacre (14801)
• Ireland
11 Nov 15
@valmnz it is quite motivational; he's just had an approach from a screen writer!
Anna
@LadyDuck (502343)
• Italy
10 Nov 15
You are lucky to have a writing buddy, I am the only one who writes among my friends and family.
2 people like this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
10 Nov 15
We used to be in the same writing group, but when that folded we decided we'd keep going together.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381960)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Nov 15
A writing buddy or writing group is good motivation to continue writing although I don't think you need too much motivation.
3 people like this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
11 Nov 15
@JudyEv do you still belong to your wonderful writing group? Mine folded for a number of reasons.
1 person likes this
patgalca
@patgalca (18481)
• Orangeville, Ontario
11 Nov 15
I had a very good friend in high school who was my writing buddy. I hate the fact that I lost touch with her. I've heard she wants nothing to do with anyone from high school (including me, her best friend). We always got together and wrote. I am a member of a writing group and occasionally meet one on one with another member but now that she is back to work I don't see that happening anytime soon. If I did have someone to do that with I might actually have finished my novel by now.
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
11 Nov 15
It certainly does help to have the support of others.
Always smiling
@allknowing (153544)
• India
11 Nov 15
I had a gardening buddy like that. I say had because now she no longer does gardening because of ill health and also she does not have a gardener. But I have enough gardeners with whom I can exchange news and views right here at myLot. . Happy for you that you have a real life buddy to talk about your pet subject.
1 person likes this
Always smiling
@allknowing (153544)
• India
11 Nov 15
@valmnz I think you will learn if you associated yourself with expert gardeners here
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
11 Nov 15
@allknowing not really my thing, have no real desire to learn gardening is a very low priority in my life.
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
11 Nov 15
It's good you have other gardeners to share ideas with here. LOL, I share my gardening inadequacies with less successful gardeners here
rebel_woman06
@SIMPLYD (90717)
• Philippines
10 Nov 15
With a writing buddy , you can really write good stories , because both of you shares ideas and it is said that two heads is better than one !
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
10 Nov 15
We write quite differently but we definitely inspire each other.
1 person likes this
rebel_woman06
@SIMPLYD (90717)
• Philippines
10 Nov 15
@valmnz Since you write differently , each one gets different ideas from each other and that 's what is good .
2 people like this
Patti G
@Pattitude (1286)
• Newton, North Carolina
14 Nov 15
That is what I need, a local writing buddy!
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
15 Nov 15
It is an experience that works for me.
1 person likes this
AnjaP
@Rollo1 (16676)
• Boston, Massachusetts
10 Nov 15
I definitely think it's a good idea to change it up and write a little fiction or something creative in order to refresh your mind after a lot of non-fiction or technical writing. It is so easy to burn out on more serious writing.
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
10 Nov 15
I find my writing style becomes repetitive if I'm not pushed to write creatively every now and then. Though, I guess even non-fiction writing has its own element of creativity in it.
Dominique
@dodo19 (48153)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
10 Nov 15
It's nice that you are able to have someone to talk to about writing and such.
Judy Story
@jstory07 (148731)
• Roseburg, Oregon
10 Nov 15
You are lucky to have that kind of support.
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
10 Nov 15
Don't I know it!
sofs
@sofssu (23660)
•
10 Nov 15
I guess it is fun to have a writing buddy. I used to have one .. now he has moved on with life.
1 person likes this
Val
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
10 Nov 15
We're both able to respect each others work and be helpful for each other, so it is a great arrangement.
Jekca
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
10 Nov 15
you should share that one on here!
Nelda Hoxie
@NeldaHoxie (1381)
• United States
10 Nov 15
That's sounds like a productive get together. BTW what's a tertiary institution?
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381960)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Nov 15
I can imagine you really value the time you spend with your writing buddy. Our writing group meets on Friday so I had better check what I'm supposed to be doing for homework.