Writing support comes in lots of different flavours.

An obvious one is support with the writing itself: feedback, critiquing, editing, or even just a friend to help spot typos and spelling mistakes.

But there are other kinds of support you'll need along the way too, especially practical support and emotional support.

Let's take a look at all three of these.

Writing Support

Writing support is anything that helps you hone your craft. It might mean having feedback on whether or not a passage of dialogue is working, or asking fellow writers to pick which title they like best out of your shortlist.

This type of support can be a lot more involved, too. You might swap whole manuscripts with a fellow writer, for instance. The highest level of support is likely to involve money: you might pay for writing coaching or mentoring, or you might pay a professional editor to go through your whole manuscript.

To get this kind of support:

• Get to know other writers, either locally or online. Look for people who you get on well with and whose writing you enjoy (they don't have to be writing in the same genre). Ask them for feedback on your work.
• Look for a paid editor or writing coach if you want more detailed feedback and/or longer-term support. (I offer writing coaching, if that might be helpful to you as you work on your project.)

Practical Support

Sometimes, what you need most as a writer is practical support: someone to look after your kids or take over other responsibilities so you can have even an hour free to write.

Another way to get practical support is to write alongside one (or more!) other writers. By putting aside an hour or so together, you make it a lot more likely you'll actually stick to writing. We do this in Writers' Cafe with our regular live writing hours.

To get this kind of support:

• Look for a group that meets to write together at a specific time, or find some writers and start your own group, whether that's in a local cafe or online.
• Negotiate with other family members for writing time. Perhaps your partner isn't a writer, but they have a hobby that they want to make more time for. You could trade off on kid duties to make some time for each of you.

Emotional Support

Writing can involve a whole lot of different emotions, from elation when it's going well to despair when you just can't seem to squeeze out another word. Whether you want someone to share your joy in a competition win or sympathise with you over a negative review, emotional support can be hugely important.

This kind of support may come from a loved one or friend, but sometimes the people close to us don't quite "get it" ... and it can be really helpful to have other writers to turn to.

To get this kind of support:

• Look for writers you can trust and open up to. Some writing circles or critique groups are lovely and nurturing; others can feel a bit like sharks sensing blood in the water! Don't be afraid to try a few different groups until you find the right one.
• Within your family and friendship groups, find someone supportive and kind who you can trust with your big goals. Encourage them, too, with the goals that they want to achieve.

Keep an eye out for Writers' Cafe reopening this week ... it offers lots of support and I have a special bonus offer for anyone joining in the next couple of weeks, too. :-)

Happy writing,

Ali

P.S. If you missed last week's blog post, here it is:

The Eight Best Free Writing Tools to Help You Write More and Earn More