The Writer's Workshop: Writers Who Have Been My Support System
A little over five weeks ago I began this journey on HubPages, not really knowing what it was about and certainly not having a clue what I was expected to do. I only knew it was a forum of sorts for writers, a platform that allowed us to put our work out there to be seen and to be commented on. Seeing it as an excellent opportunity for growth I signed on and hoped for the best.
HubPages has been as advertised and much more for this writer. During this five-week audition I have had the opportunity to read the works of some truly talented writers and poets; I have absorbed their words, felt their feelings and learned by their example. I have so far to go but I am not demoralized by that fact but rather excited because it means I will be able to continue to grow and at the same time watch my newfound friends grow as well.
I have seen several Hubs written by far better writers than I listing the best Hubs of the month and I will not attempt to do the same thing; rather I wanted to do a Hub telling you all about the most supportive Hubbers I have met since I began. From day one I have been supported and praised by a select few who have gone out of their way to make me feel welcomed and appreciated. They did not have to do this; most of them have Hub scores in the 90’s and they gain nothing by reaching out to the novice and sharing a supportive word. Nevertheless they have done so time and time again and I wanted to take a moment to spotlight them and tell them how much I appreciate who they are and what they have done.
As I sit here I have 144 followers. I have no idea if that is good or bad as far as HubPages is concerned but I know from my standpoint I am a lucky man. Time and space will not allow me to single out each of the 144 so I’m sure another Hub of this nature will be following soon. What follows, then, is a list of eight Hubbers who have been most supportive of my work; I added a brief description explaining why I consider them my writing friends.
PASSION COUNTS IN MY BOOK
poetvix….http://poetvix.hubpages.com/…Her series on Obamica is a classic, but her writing is not the focal point of my praise. What I have liked about her from Day One is the passion she brings to the table and her dedication to become involved in the affairs of our nation. Far too many people sit on the sidelines and complain but do nothing to improve their status. This young lady goes the extra mile to speak out and become part of the solution rather than a continuation of the problem. She has done nothing but support me and praise me and give me a standard by which to judge my works. She has, in a nutshell, won my respect.
HUMOR WITH A SIDE DISH OR BRASSINESS
jpherj48….http://fpherj48.hubpages.com/…Her hub on the Death Penalty is masterfully written with passion and intelligence, just like the author herself. If you like your humor served up and carved by a sharp tongue then this is the hubber for you. I consider her a friend and mentor and she probably will never know how much I appreciate her support. Now, if she will ever stop bragging about the creek on her property, I’ll praise her even more.
THE EPITOME OF NICE
Tammyswallow….http://tammyswallow.hubpages.com/…. This lady wears her heart on her sleeve and her writing can make you laugh and cry at the same time. I guess, though, what really stands out about her is she is just a nice person who was willing to reach out early on in my Hub career and offer words of encouragement. Check out her smile and tell me she isn’t happy…I dare you!
GUYS CAN BE NICE TOO
Hazelwood4….http://hazelwood4.hubpages.com/….His hub on chili cheese dip using Velveeta made him an instant favorite in my book. Anyone who likes Velveeta cheese will always be welcome at my website. Here is a genuinely nice guy who offers supportive comments and is never, never negative. Nice goes a long way, especially when it is heartfelt.
ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT KNOWING
Albertsj….http://albertsj.hubpages.com/….Remember that line from the movie “Jerry McGuire” where the girl says “you had me at hello?” That’s how I feel about this young lady. Grit, determination and an infectious attitude about life, that’s albertsj. If you don’t believe it read “Growing Up With One Eye.” She hasn’t been on HubPages much longer than I have and yet she takes time after each hub that I write to drop by and tell me how much she liked my hub. I find myself wanting her approval and that’s a rare occurrence for this writer.
VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
EclecticFusion….http://eclecticfusion.hubpages.com/….”Our Love Is One That Will Last” is a beautiful tribute to this lady’s parents and a nice example of the talent she has; this Tennessee gal is a rare combination of humor and empathy for others and she is always there with a word of encouragement for me. I value her opinion and that is remarkable considering I have only known of her for five weeks.
A TWIN I NEVER KNEW
Peanutritious….http://peanutritious.hubpages.com/….she and I are survivors, and it is our shared experiences that have made her so special to me. Read about her embarrassing adventures and you will get but a glimpse of the depth of this lady from England. I feel better about my hubs when she has read them and I know they met her standards of honesty and forthrightness.
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY
Cclitgirl….http://cclitgirl.hubpages.com/….a fellow teacher who keeps me guessing as she reviews proper grammar, this lady from North Carolina has a wonderful sense of humor and is all about learning. If you want to meet someone who is excited about HubPages then stop by her site and say hello. I, for one, will follow her anywhere because she is fun to be around and she is willing to take time out of her day to make sure that she gives me a pat on my back and a nice word.
PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW
There are more of course but this old man has to get to bed. Some of my other favorites who I will write about soon are listed below:
Annart
Lawdoctorlee
Sunshine625
Born2care2001
Melovy
Picklesandrufus
I want to thank all of you, the 144 followers and anyone else who has been gracious enough to read my ramblings and comment along the way. A writer can only improve if he has feedback; to write in a vacuum is to write for only one member of the audience and that is a lonely existence. I have tried to write about what I know and what I am, and above all I have tried to be honest to my readers. They deserve that much if they are going to take the time to review my work and support me. A lofty Hub score is nice, I guess, if it floats your boat, but for me I’ll take the relationships I have formed at this venue any old day.
What has your experience been with fellow Hubbers?
- The Beauty of True Friendship
What is "true" friendship. Is it different for each individual? How do we as individuals benefit from these "true", real friendships, and what do we give back?
