Indie Challenge – Show Your Support

Do you ever find yourself caught in a “frump” or situation that keeps you from writing?  Life happens and we all deal with various things every day that disparages us from meeting deadlines or getting the word count that we all want by the end of the day.  The struggle is definitely real and persisting, or so it seems.  How do you overcome this?  Do you reach out to others for advice?  Do you push through and battle the infringement head on? 

How do you as a professional and friend of other authors provide guidance and help to those who are struggling with their writing?  Do you brush it off and say, “well I am not having any trouble; they’ll get over it” or do you help solve the problem?

This industry is increasingly becoming saturated with the “dog-eat-dog” approach that we experience in all realms of life.  No one wants to help their competition.  It seems that no one is willing to help their colleague get through whatever life is throwing at them and support them. 

For this industry to thrive and be supported by those who purchase our work, wouldn’t it be great if they saw how indie authors supported each other through all aspects of life and craft?  I think we are all missing the opportunity to be the leaders and not the followers. 

How are you providing support or helping your adversary?  If you were in a situation and needed help, would you ask your rival?  Being a writer is something uniquely genuine to the person putting the words to paper.  Let’s face it, we are not mind readers.  I cannot “steal” your material and you cannot take mine. 

Indie challenge to all who read this…reach out to someone who is struggling and offer then a helping hand.  If you are the one having a difficult time; ask for help.  Let everyone out there know that we are here for each other and helping each other.  We are all great at what we do and the hating and shame need to stop for this art to survive.  Be a team player, give help where it is needed, offer assistance, and share with each other. 

What ways can you provide help to other indie authors?  Are you struggling and need help?  What ideas can you share with others who are having a rough time?  Can you help them with their cover for free or a reduced price?  Are you an editor who is looking to fill in a slot of time, maybe free of charge or for a lower fee?  Are you a formatter who can help out?  Even something simple like sharing social media posts provides a great deal of help to others.

~T