Apr 25, 2012

V is for Vested


V is for Vested


According to Webster, being vested means a person is fully and unconditionally guaranteed a legal right to a benefit or privilege from the object interested in.  But in order to become vested, you have to contribute something to the endeavor first. While it's not the precise interpretation of the way I feel, it is an accurate representation of how I regard my fellow aspiring writers here in the blogosphere. 

I am vested in all of your writing pursuits.  When you find success, I also feel accomplished.  No matter how big or small, I celebrate right alongside of you. And when you’re struggling or doubting (and I say when…not if…because it will happen), I do what I can to see you through to the other side.  I help support your book launches, interviews, blog tours, reviews, and any other promotional activities you can dream up.  I am here through the thick and thin, and when you find it necessary to back away for some needed perspective, I’m here waiting when you return.  I am a backseat passenger on your drive to publication, and I care.

And the best part is…I am not alone.  The entire blogosphere, at least the parts I frequent, are made up of people just like me.  I dare you to find a more encouraging group anywhere.  And I’ll tell you why…because we each see ourselves in the other.  I am you.  You are me.  This isn’t a case of who is going to claw their selves to the top, leaving behind the broken and defeated, but rather a positive group dynamic.  Wherever possible, leave no writer behind!

I am vested!  What about you? :)

34 comments:

  1. Lovely and positive - thank you.

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  2. Incredibly well put, and oh so true. Thanks, DL!

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  3. When friends I've critted or beta read for get rejections from agents and editors, I take it personally. :)

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  4. Be vested. An excellent point? I am right there with you! :)

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  5. I love this post. It feels like a great big group hug :)

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  6. Tiana's right. This post is like a big group hug.

    I love how the writing community on the blogosphere is so supportive. I'm genuinely thrilled when a fellow blogger finds success.

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  7. Nice score on vested...10 points. Just like this post, a perfect 10!

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  8. You seem super positive. I wish all writers were like you.

    Jolie du Pre
    Precious Monsters

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  9. I celebrate every writer's success. It's encouraging and gives me hope. :) The sense of community is wonderful online.

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  10. I love hearing success stories and sharing what I know (which is not a lot). The blogosphere is filled with amazingly supportive people like you and I'm just lucky to be part of it:)

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  11. LOVE THIS. :) I feel the same way about the writing community. I think since we all understand just how hard it is to write a book and wade through the publication process, we can all feel happy for others who have success.

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  12. I'm vested and I love cheering everyone on. I think it keeps one from being too introspective about their own writing.

    Sometimes, visiting a blog can have a side benefit--it gives encouragement and sometimes just when you need it. :-)

    Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

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  13. And you are one of the most encouraging and positive parts of the blogosophere! Keep on keeping on - and remember us in your acknowledgments page, because I have a feeling your name will appear on many!

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  14. Having other writers support me in my work-- my successes and failures-- has made it possible for me to continue. So, thanks for the VESTED post today. It reminded me of how important all of the writers I come in contact with are to me.

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  15. You're making a strong case for people discovering you through A-Z to be vested in your career, certainly.

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  16. One of my favorite A to Z posts yet. I think you just summed up every reason I love the writing blogosphere SO much.

    I'm definitely VESTED with you.

    *high five*

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  17. I'm not a published writer yet, but I'm vested in helping other writers get there! Woohoo! I actually just picked up the hat of Writing Mentor for one of my friends. Some of her FB posts are a riot despite the fact that some of them are relating woes. That girl has Voice in spades. So I started encouraging her to write a book about her experiences, and now she's lit up and picking my brain for what I've learned about writing.

    You know what they say, sometimes you learn better by teaching. I think I'm about to learn a whole lot!

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  18. I feel the same way. You would think there would be competition and secret hatreds or jealousy but I know I don't feel that way about the success of my fellow bloggers and I truly feel they don't feel that way either.

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  19. Well said.
    And we thank you for the support!
    Heather

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  20. My sentiments exactly, DL! That's why I enjoy spreading the news about my blogger buddies' accomplishments.

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  21. "Leave no writer behind."

    Best thing I ever heard. Ever.

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  22. What a lovely post! And it's supportive fellow writers like you, Don, that makes the journey bearable.

    J.C. Martin
    A to Z Blogger

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  23. Very well said! This is an awesome group of people! I love all the positive energy! :)

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  24. I am! I totally agree - this online community is more than amazing. Generous, kind, always willing to lend a hand, an ear or a shoulder. It's an honour to be a part of it all :)

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  25. You know, it seems that most of the writers I meet in real life are selfish, competitive and insecure and it's been a somewhat lonely journey so far. But this A-Z Challenge has shown me otherwise, really glad to have "met" you and this lovely, supportive online community!

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  26. I huge thank you! You give more encouragement than you will ever know, and the blogging community as a whole are a group of wonderful people. I feel blessed

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  27. Great post. We all know it's hard so anyone's success should be celebrated.

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  28. The writing community is incredible. I'm vested in it! :)

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  29. Ah shucks Don; thank you.

    .......dhole

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  30. I've absolutely the same experience - only positivity in the blogosphere. Everybody's party rockin'

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  31. The blogging community is such a great support place for writers. :)

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  32. Leave no writer behind - love it!

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  33. I was blown away when I first entered Bloglandia at the huge waves of positive vibes and support this community gives unconditionally. You don't feel alone or down for long being cyber-connected with this amazing group of creative souls.

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