Why Generosity is a Writer’s Best Friend

The older I become, the more I know this to be true: generosity is one of the most important traits for a writer (or person, for that matter) to have. Generosity serves a writer in many ways that spill over into other areas of life, but I’ll focus on three in this space that are the most impactful to one’s writing career.

A good writer is generous to readers

Have you ever read a nonfiction book that felt as though the author just wanted to talk about their own story, and never how it applies to the reader? When this happens a reader begins to pull back from the story and wonder, “What’s in this for me?”  Or, have you ever been four pages into a novel, and thought, “Why is this author so focused on the exact shade of green this grass is? I just need some dialogue!” A generous writer actively considers the reader experience every step of the way while writing. They ask themselves, “If I were reading this book, what would I want to experience? How would I want to be engaged, surprised, or inspired?” They know that even though they’re writing the book, it isn’t about them at all. When an author can keep the reader front and center mentally as they write a book, the end result is a happy reader. And happy readers buy, recommend, and share books- which makes writers happy. It’s a lovely cycle, all built on the original generosity of a writer.

A good writer is generous to other writers

Authors never forget those writers who supported them through the best and worst of times.  We remember how they spoke well of us in rooms we were not in. We remember the ones who shared about the book, who cared enough to ask how we were after the chaos of release week died down, and those who commiserated with us through the inevitable valleys along the road to publishing. And those who are further along the path, who answer the call to give an endorsement or share our work with their own established audience? We never forget them, or our gratitude for their generosity of spirit. When writers are generous to other writers, it becomes an inspiration for all involved. We recognize and honor the creative light in one another. No matter where you are on the path to publishing, you have something to offer to the writer behind you. And, rest assured, they won’t forget that you offered it.

A good writer is generous to themselves

As much as writers love writing (or the idea of writing, let’s be honest) it isn’t a relaxing activity. While movies and books may glamorize the experience, with writers escaping to a cabin in the woods to pen the next great novel, we know this couldn’t be farther from the truth. We second guess ourselves, pull our hair out during edits, skip lunch to make it to the next word count goal while we’re on a roll. It’s definitely not as relaxing as reading a book, that’s for sure. This is why a good writer will be generous to themselves. They know their limits. They know when they’ve pushed too hard, and when to give themselves a snack, a break, or when to press “Buy Now” on their entire Amazon cart. Okay, that last one may have been a bit overboard. The point is, generous writers don’t exclude themselves from their own generosity. They know that in order to give to others, they must give to themselves also.

 

How about you? What does generosity look like in your own writing life? Tell us in the comments!

 

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