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Do You Have a Writing Buddy?
by Kathyleen Rivera

Writing is a solitary activity: a writer puts down on paper her ideas, nightmares and fantasies. During this process, she becomes very passionate with her work. She falls in love with it, which makes it hard for her to sacrifice favored parts for a greater whole. This is where a writing buddy can help.

A writing buddy has many names: constant reader, writing partner, critic. Essentially, a writing buddy is someone a writer can trust and whose opinions a writer highly values. A writing buddy is a person who challenges, inspires and evaluates a writer's work. A writing buddy is first a reader and then a friend. A writing buddy plays a vital role in a writer's life as she also becomes an editor, a critic, a cheerleader and a fan. The writing buddy helps a writer gain a fresh perspective for her written pieces. Although she is mainly there to read a writer's work and give constructive criticisms, the final decision on whether or not to change a manuscript is still in the writer's hands.

Many beginning writers often join writing groups in search for empathy in their initial flight to the world of written words. With such contact with a lot of different people, a writer begins to make a connection with one or two individuals. Once the relationship is established between that of a writer and a constant reader, a writing buddy is born. The writing buddy gives a more personal touch to the writer's work. Her suggestions and feedbacks allow a writer to improve her work and give her room to grow. As opposed to a writing group, a writing buddy is able to focus all her attention on a writer's piece. Although a writing group can provide a diversity of opinions on one piece, it is in the clash of egos and personality that gives the writing buddy its advantage.

Not all writing buddies are born from writing groups. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to read a writer's work. What separates a reader from a writing buddy is while the former reads, she stops the relationship there. On the other hand, a writing buddy gives a writer useful information regarding the work, points out weak spots in a piece and is willing to read a revised piece all over again. She brings out the best in a writer and pushes her to be the great writer that she can be.

Seeing how beneficial having a writing buddy is to a writer, the question now stands: "Who makes the best writing buddy?" Here is where a writer's own preference becomes an important factor. One writer~s choice of a writing buddy may not be another's cup of tea. A writer must consider the personality and interests of her chosen writing partner. Generally, it makes perfect sense to have another writer as a writing buddy. They can work together. They both understand the struggles, pains and joys of the writing life. However, the main role of a writing buddy is to provide substance editing. Whether a writer chooses an editor, teacher or a friend, a writing buddy must be consistent in her comments and willing to read and listen objectively to the piece.

Writing is a lonely job and having a writing buddy who believes in you and helps you grow as a writer can make all the difference in the world.

Copyright © 2004 Kathyleen Rivera

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