Yesterday I wrote about the hardest seat in the workshop: the spotlight, where you sit silently, like a fly on the wall, while other people talk about your work. Today I want to write about the other half of that lesson: choosing the people who will support and encourage you while also telling you the truth.
As a developmental editor and writing coach, I spend my days helping others find the words, structure, and truth for the worlds they’re creating. What never ceases to amaze me, after all these years, is the intimacy that’s possible between reader and writer when the writing is clear, resonant, and unflinchingly honest. That direct line of communication, when it matters most, determines whether your writing has the desired impact or falls flat.
Writing my chapter for 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘐𝘴 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘥 put me in the spotlight seat. Here’s the irony: the thing I coach people on constantly (get in the muck, don’t write from a safe distance) I had to do myself this time. No hiding behind the editor’s chair.
I didn’t do it alone. Every writer I’ve ever worked with has the curse of knowledge, and not one of us can see the label from inside the jar. That’s why I always say no one should write alone. But it matters who you invite in. Find the readers who are on your side and honest with you. They will help you make the work better.
Huge thanks to Kevin Huntting, Jennifer White, and Brian Biro, the small team of writing partners who pitched in to do for me what I do for so many others. They earned my trust, and a handful of workshop meetings turned into so much more. Some of their comments stung at first. Every one of them made the chapter better.
My chapter is about writing our way to radical consent: the courage to write what’s true, become our own best witnesses, and consciously change our lives for the better.
And here’s a confession. Going into a recent launch meeting, I was doubting myself. Was I doing enough to get the word out? To find early readers? To fill the room for the launch party? Then Michael congratulated me: I’m in the top 20%.
If you’re reading right now, it’s because of you. You make my modest email list small but mighty. To everyone who has already raised a hand to be an early reader or said yes to the launch party: I see you, and I’m so grateful. You’ve shown up for me. Thanks for your commitment to making the world a kinder place.
And, it isn’t too late. Our Future Is Kind comes out November 13th, only a couple of weeks away. You can still be an early reader by joining the launch team here: https://bookprojects.lauradifranco.com/Our-Future-Is-Kind-launch-team, and if you do this, please drop me a line and let me know you’ve done it.
And come celebrate with us at the launch party on World Kindness Day, Friday, November 13th, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM ET. Save your spot here: https://www.ourfutureiskind.com/ofik-launch-party?SQF_HIDDEN=ClementinaEsposito
To my amazing co-authors and writing partners, Jennifer White, Brian Biro, and Kevin Huntting: you guys rock.
Our Future Is Kind® launches Nov. 13th, with 25 co-authors from around the world (Peru, India, Germany, the UK, Mexico, the U.S., and the Philippines).