So Many Writers, So Little Time

Since beginning writing I’ve made the effort to read the articles of others. I’m sure so far I’m only skimming the surface, as I’ve restricted myself to topics I’m interested in and have searched for, or the work of those who have left comments on my efforts. After a month, I realise that the more I read of others, the more others read my writing.

So, how do we all extend our own readership while doing the same for fellow writers? Start by finding writers whose work you respect and enjoy. Here are some tips that are working for me.

1. Search for your favourite topics. Whether you have a consuming passion, or simple want to learn more about writing – itself a consuming passion – search to see what others have written. So far I have not been disappointed, there is such a wealth of material that can be accessed through Triond.

2. Make friends with other writers. Having found work you’re interested in reading, take a look at other work by the same writer. If you enjoy the style of writing or the messages being presented, add the writer to your list of friends. You then know daily what that person has submitted and can read more of their work. This has become part of my morning coffee routine.

3. Comment on the work of others. Since I’ve started commenting on pieces I like, my readership has increased. When other members see your comments they take a look at your writing. If they like it, they leave comments for you. It starts snowballing.

4. Expand your horizons. Start looking at who else has commented on the work you enjoy, and take a look at their work as well. I’m discovering some interesting people and work, just by taking a short time daily to explore what others are doing. I’ve made it my goal to connect with several new people a week, and am learning an enormous amount about things I may otherwise never have read about. Triond is an incredible writing community.

5. Use your reading time wisely. Even though you enjoy a particular writer, once you have built up your bank of friends, it becomes more difficult to read everything they’ve written. Take a look at your regulars work and read it if the title interests you. Maybe decide it’s not what you need right now, but think about returning to it later. Be careful that you don’t use up all your valuable writing time by reading.

We all have limits on our time and need to make decisions about how we will use each precious minute. However, the time spent reading and commenting on the work of others will not only expand your network, but will trigger ideas you feel passionate enough to write about. Avoid stagnation and make belonging to the  Triond community an ever increasing pleasure.