The Power of an "Outlier" Writing Community

As writers, we are all products of our environment. The trick is to shape that environment to create a top-quality product - something that may be easier said in retrospect than consciously done.

I just finished the book "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. It is full of conversation-starters about everything from our education system to cultural norms. It's point, however, seemed to be that no one - not even groundbreaking technology entrepreneurs, rock bands and geniuses - exists in a vacuum. The myth of the self-made man (or woman) may be just that. We are influenced by powerful forces in our recent and distant past that may not initially be apparent. By virtue of being born at a particular time, in a particular place to people with certain attitudes and with specific advantages, we can achieve things that others don't have the opportunity to even imagine.

Gladwell stresses that these superstars still had to work hard (in fact putting in 10,000 hours to hone a craft is one of the deciding factors in the ability to excel he posits). But we also have to have a chance to work hard, encouragement to dream big and in some instances a cultural tendency for success in a particular field.

A writing community can help will all of these things.

• By surrounding yourself with people who can share the tips and tools for getting published, you will put yourself in a position to make the most of your innate writing abilities.
• A writing community can also prod, guilt and otherwise encourage you to put the time in to hone your craft.
• Finally, your fellow writers can inspire you to be the best you can be.

I have always believed this. That is why my company name, logo and signature line all include an "& Co." acknowledgement of everyone who has impacted my development over the years. This includes my mother, my barista and you. It's a copyright thing. Your unique insights, friendship, thoughts and advice made me the person I am today. I could not write what I write without your influence.

Thank you.

Please keep sharing. Tell me who pushes you to be an outlier, to go above and beyond, to write.

Yours in writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long