The season for giving has arrived once again. These days it all seems to come so soon, a symptom of the times. Everything happens faster. One year follows another before we know it. These days everything comes with a price tag and not being as solvent as I would like to be, I have had to give a good deal of thought about giving. I for one would like to know I am doing some good and not just handing over a present someone may or may not need. Mind you, presents are pretty good.
One of the reasons I like being a writer is the writing community. It is so supportive. In an industry as fickle as this one, as mentally and emotionally demanding, we need support. From the time we turn on the computer, or pull out that notebook, we leave ourselves open to criticism. I decided a while ago that my blog would be the ideal vehicle to give support, and the more I think about it, the more I like the idea. I keep coming across these wonderful people who do such wonderful things, and the idea of sharing this on my blog is exciting. In fact, I am hoping to feature more than other authors and people associated with writing so stay tuned.
The facts are simple. We can’t achieve without support. Well, we can but its messy, painful, frustrating and a long, lonely road. Having support keeps us going, keeps us trying, and my favourite, keeps us improving. It’s not about purchasing the book in the case of writers (that does help hugely by the way); its about having people care what you do and demonstrating it in some fashion, and this applies to any profession. There is always a way to help that that fits into our lives.
Building a profile is one of the hardest areas for writers. A follow on media, a like, and/or a share can make a surprising difference. Every time we acknowledge the existence of that person by doing those things, we are helping. Imagine what can happen when this helping is done by more than one person. Why is it then so many hesitate? I think sometimes people are worried about associations. If I post a like for a fellow author, am I sending out signals that this person is good at what they do? What if they’re not, am I going to look bad? Or is it simply some of us don’t have time?
I don’t know, and I have ceased caring. I just want to help where I can, concentrate on what I can do and not what I don’t understand. I want to talk about people on this blog who also want to do this, and not just in the writing world but artists, poets. I’m still thinking on this. Today’s post features Claudine Tinellis, a lady still to publish her novel, but who is already hard at work supporting others in her industry. She currently runs a podcast (I have included the links) supporting Australian fiction writers, and it is excellent. Keep your eyes on this lady because I am sure we will be hearing a lot from her.
Hi, my name is Claudine Tinellis,
“I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. Even when life took me in a different career direction, I always sought opportunities to write – whether it was as a contributor to legal journals, bulletins and magazines or writing scripts for training and compliance software programs. I relish the idea of creating something out of nothing and… seeing my name in print!
So, when I took a career break to raise my children, I began to think more seriously about what I really wanted to do – and that was to write a novel. In the midst of that revelation, came the opportunity to work on a ground-breaking project to educate Australians about the health benefits of eating seaweed and raising the profile of the Australian seaweed industry. And in 2014, “Coastal Chef: Culinary Art of Seaweed & Algae in the 21st Century” (Harbour Publishing House) was born. I thoroughly enjoyed this heady foray into the publishing industry with “Coastal Chef” and I was fortunate to have met many amazing people along the way. 
But fiction writing is where my heart lies. And as a writer and avid reader, I began to think about ways to support Australian publishing and to grow the demand for home-grown writers and their stories. Earlier this year, I started my own podcast dedicated to shining a spotlight on Australian fiction writers called “Talking Aussie Books”. Each week, I chat to different Aussie authors about their books in an effort to get more people thinking about the depth of talent that lies on our own doorstep and to encourage people to read Australian stories. It’s been an amazing ride so far and one I hope will continue well into the future.
Check out Claudine’s podcast at: www.claudinetinellis.com/episodes or
on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-aussie-books/id1436551976
Follow her on: www.claudinetinellis.com
Facebook (@claudinetinellisauthor
Instagram (@claudinetinellis
Remember support happens in many ways. Find your way.
Till next time
Barb
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What a terrific post! I love the support you both offer to your writing community, and applaud Claudine for following her heart to authorship. Good luck on your path!
I agree about Claudine. She is following her heart and helping along the way. A great combination to succeeding.
Thank you for the support you gave me today!
That’s what its all about, supporting each other. Thank you for taking the time to stop by.