You can’t write in a vacuum. Sure, lots of us seek solitude at writing retreats but it’s also true that as a writer, you need to be around people. We particularly need to be around other writers, both for inspiration and support.

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My many writer friends bring different things to the table. One peer may have a treasure trove of ideas on how to promote your work. He or she is always encouraging you, giving you a nudge to keep sending it out. My co-writer, Nancy Naigle, has the disciplined, organized side of writing down to a science. Always the optimist, she urges me to keep goal sheets to stay on the right path for my aspirations.

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About ten years ago, I attended an open mic event where I met Pete, a fellow poet. His animated mannerisms and expression while presenting a poem both surprised and impressed me and I left quite blown away by the presentation. At the time, the yearly open mic at the library was the only avenue available locally for reading my poetry. Over time, Pete came to spearhead an effort to make poetry reading an every day occurrence somewhere in Hampton Roads. Befriending him was one of the reasons I am still writing poetry. We often meet at Starbucks to roll new ideas around.

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Denise is a friend who wowed me with Secret Pal cards and gifts, and monthly notes. Her workshops often focus on putting the five senses in your writing. When attending her workshop, I used five colored markers to highlight each instance of sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. I came to realize that I tend to use some senses more than others when writing. Being in the company of this writer is a support system because she helps those around her color their work and acquire their dreams.

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My friend Nathan emphasizes the spiritual side of writing. The One who gave us the talent to write should be remembered when we’re choosing topics to cover. Nathan’s country roots mirror mine, and his poems are deeply reflective of his upbringing.

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Creative people in other fields, whether music or art, can be inspiring as well. A friend of mine, Larry, is a talented musician and art teacher. His advice that other creative areas can serve as a jumpstart for writing holds true. His reminders to focus and not be derailed by distractions are something that I am taking to heart as well.

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When Bill, professor of journalism and communications, asked me to address his class on the topic of romance writing, at first I felt reluctant to say yes. I had e-pubbed but didn’t have a romance novel in print. Because of the five years’ worth of workshops I had attended, he said he considered me an expert. Would I have enough information to give a talk on the subject? It turns out I had more data than time to share it all in his classroom. I’ve been back twice to talk on the subject. Always encouraging and interested, Bill is an integral part of my support system.

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I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the newspaper editors I’ve worked with and the years of both support and training I’ve gotten from them. While pushing me to write my best and to find the most interesting stories out there, these people have fine-tuned my work.

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My buddy Phil likes to pass on quotes he hears from literary radio programs and has sometimes saved clippings that he thinks will interest me. Always the cheerleader, he’s even bought seven or eight of my books. It’s nice to have friends like that at your book signings. After publishing three poetry books with a fourth co-written suspense novel getting high ranks in contests, I've had many book signings and  envision book signings for that one in the near future.

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As the husband of a writer friend reminded me once, always say “when” not “if” when talking about my writing. He became another unexpected friend in a support system that’s turned out wide, indeed.

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Thanks for reading JWorld Cafe, the Poetica Magazine Blog

Phyllis Johnson, Guest Blogger

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Phyllis Johnson writes a weekly column for The Virginian-Pilot newspaper. Her work has also appeared in Tidewater Teacher magazine, The Sun, Woman's World, and Contempo magazine. She is the author of three books: Hot and Bothered by It, a book of midlife humor, Being Frank with Anne, a poetic interpretation of the Diary of Anne Frank, and Twelve is for More Than Doughnuts, a spiritual book of poems and essays. She is currently marketing Inkblot, a YA suspense novel co-written with Nancy Naigle. Please visit her website: www.phyllisjohnson.net - Linda Pressman, Blog Editor