by Patricia Bradley
When I got really serious about writing, I didn't know what I didn't know. All I did know is that I wanted to be a published author. I had a book I'd been working on for five years. When it won first place in a contest sponsored by a writing conference I attended, it also offered an opportunity to submit my completed manuscript to a Love Inspired Suspense editor. I was certain I would land a book contract before the year was out.
Not. Like I said, I didn't know what I didn't know. That manuscript, which included an SASE (Self-addressed-stamped envelope for those who don't know what that means) practically came back by return mail. It was that bad. The only reason I won the Inspirational division of the contest is the other entries must have been really bad. Or maybe it was because I'd worked on that first chapter for five years, perfecting it while neglecting the other chapters.
Every author begins writing at the starting line not the finish line, and someone coaches them along the way. I knew I had a good story line, I just didn't know how to execute it. Enter two authors who poured their knowledge and experience into me and my writing during four retreats over four years.
Each year I built on what I leaned, and by the third year, I had a publishing contract--on that book that the previous editor had rejected. BUT, it was a much different book than I submitted to her, thanks to what I learned at the retreats. Which brings me to the title of the post. Someone had helped both authors when they first started out, and now they were paying it forward by helping other writers.
Paying it forward is something we all should do, not just authors. We all have talent and there is probably someone who would like to engage in your particular talent, only they may not know how to go about it. I've mentored people in pottery and knitting, and writing.
One of the ways I pay it forward with writers is to offer constructive critiques and judge contests that offer feedback. Not only is it fun for me, any time I help someone, I always learn something so that's a win-win!
So, who have you helped lately? Leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing for a $10 Amazon e-gift card.
helped neighbor rake leaves
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Awesome, BN!
Deletefood bank volunteer chicowill57@aol.com
ReplyDeleteGreat volunteer work!
DeleteA widow in my neighbor. We celebrated her husband’s birthday by going out to lunch. Then we took her to the place where she has spread his ashes.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Diggs
Englishath9me01@gmail.com
That was really sweet Barbara!
DeleteI helped my daughter who was stuck at night and needed me to fill in a parent teacher conference. We also bring in our neighbor's trash can.
ReplyDeleteI love being the can collector, Debby!
DeleteI pray for others jrs0350@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThat is a great way to help others!
DeleteI pray and encourage others. Help my daughter out financially jrs0350@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI've been helping a friend pack to move.
ReplyDeleteForgot! jarning67athotmail.com
DeleteYou really are a friend! I hate packing to move. :-)
DeleteI love sharing my faith and encouraging teenagers in our church's youth group. Those kids are so important because they are the future of the church. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about teens being the future of the church, Cherie. I worked with the teens of our church in the past, and taught abstinence in schools.
DeleteI don't know if my comment went through? I just commented that I always treat others with kindness. I have taught my kids that also.
ReplyDeleteThis comment went through. I just wrote that I have no real talent or money to pay it forward. (jozywails@gmail.com)
DeleteTeaching your kids to treat others with kindness is a special and wonderful talent, Audrey! Wish more people did that.
DeleteOh boy, I have no real talent to share. Lol. I do greet people with a smile & a hello. I have paid for orders of people behind me in a drive thru.
ReplyDeleteAll great talents, Cyndi! I'm sure your smile has made many people smile in return.
DeleteI forgot my email: ceedee1958@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWe've spent a wonderful time last weekend with our community group ladies picking flowers at the flower farm and making bouquets. Mine was beautiful :) And, on the way home, God directed me to stop by an older lady from our church who just had hernia surgery and gift her my bouquet. It brightened her day!
ReplyDeleteOh, Natalya, what a thoughtful gesture! and I love that your community ladies' group gets together to make others feel better.
DeleteI always try to treat people with a smile and a hello and have a nice day Thank you for this amazing giveaway Sarahbaby601973@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Sarah! I love that you're spreading good cheer!
DeleteI visit a friend who is nonverbal, physically disabled and has no family left every week alysap at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteWhat a giving thing to do, JCP! I'm sure that person looks forward to your visit each week, even if they can't tell you.
Deletea gentleman in my neighborhood asked for directions to his street. I told him how to go and then followed him to make sure he arrived safely,
ReplyDeleteThat was a great thing to do, Amy.
DeleteMy job involves helping people daily. I work in children’s services and I tend to work with people who are going through some bad times in their lives. I also volunteer at church and donate to several organizations that help others. Now that my kids are grown, I have more time and finances to help others.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you didn't give up and now help others. I have no talent or desire to write but someone I love is an author of a children's series and working on a suspense novel. I am grateful to those who help her as I think she is very talented.
ReplyDeleteMy friends in my Sunday School class, Women's Ministry and Bible Study groups have helped me!
ReplyDeleteJanice
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI often try to help others through my kitchen. Be it for a sad time or a happy time, seems food is always appreciated. Last night, we helped a family out feeding 18 people a supper of grilled cheeseburgers, chips and homemade pecan pie. The two mothers were thrilled for the relief of not cooking or dishes to wash. :) I have enjoyed passing on my joy of cooking/baking with many of the young folks showing them that preparing food for others can help them with their math (figuring out fractions, multiply and divide when changing the recipe to fit the occasion, etc.), learn skills they will be able to use always and to feel the same satisfaction when someone says "Boy that's good!"
ReplyDeleteHubby and I are also amateur photographers and love passing on those skills to others - young and old.
I think one is never too old to learn nor too young to start learning.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Encourage friends who are going through a rough time as well as praying for them. I remind them of scripture as well as that the Lord loves them. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI'm the mom and the grandmother in the family so I'm often coming alongside my children to help them. It's just part of the job.
ReplyDeleteI’m a big fan of paying it forward. I thought this was a great post and enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. Most recently, I was on line at Panera Bread waiting for my order. When I got to the window, the person before me paid for my order. In turn, I paid for person behind me’s order.
ReplyDeleteI always help out . Have elderly neighbors . go shopping for them
ReplyDeleteI help with my family at the senior center. Just sit and talk . take walks
ReplyDeleteWell, today I helped my poor kitty who has a sore in her mouth by taking her to the vet. She didn't really appreciate it, but she will! It sounds like you do lots to help authors, and I'm sure they appreciate it!
ReplyDelete