What I’ve Learned About Writing From My Friends Online

September 12, 2008 · by Joanna Paterson · in

I enjoy sharing tips, suggestions and ideas about writing with all of you here. But I also enjoy reading, learning and getting inspiration from a wide range of sources online.

As my contribution to this month’s ‘What I Learned From’ Group Writing Project I wanted to share some of things I’ve learned about writing from my friends online – and to say a big thanks for everything that they’ve taught me.

This is far from being an exclusive list and if you’re not here – don’t worry! It doesn’t mean I haven’t learned from you. Nor does it mean we’re not friends :-)

But when I reflected on it these were the online writing friends I’d learned the most from. Learned how to:

Tell stories to captivate and engage your readers: Robert Hruzek at the Middle Zone

Like… What I Learned From A Few Friendly Words

Write marketing and sales copy that works – without losing your human voice: Brad Shorr at Word Sell

Like… 33 Foolproof Headline Strategies

Engage and inspire your readers, over and over again: Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Say a lot in a few words: Rick Mahn with the happiness series

Combine pictures with words to challenge our perspective: Amy Palko at Less Ordinary

Like… 10 Tips For Adding A Splash of Colour

Write, coach and teach from a clear value base: Rosa Say at Managing with Aloha Coaching and editor extraordinaire at Joyful Jubilant Learning!

Like… Citizen Publishing the Value Based Way

Experiment to bring a potentially dull subject to life, readable by all: Robyn McMaster at Brain Based Biz

Write about your beliefs with a refreshing honesty: Jon Swanson at the Levite Chronicles

…like Do I Want To Be Where I Am?

Write with courage, right out of your comfort zone: Karen Wallace at the Calm Space

… with a happy ending (and beginning) shared at Joyful Jubilant Learning: One Woman’s Journey To Being a Writer

Write with fierce pride, and a big heart: Karen Swim at Words for Hire

… I’ll never forget reading this piece Karen, thank you: My Love Affair

Of course I haven’t just learned about writing from these people, I’ve also learned about friendship. Like most of us when we started out blogging, I had no idea this daily posting of ideas and thoughts could possibly lead to deep, funny, meaningful, inspiring and no doubt lasting friendships.

I’m very lucky to have chatted to many of these friends on the phone as well as through the comment boxes of our blogs, and I’m even luckier to have met so many in person over the last six months. When you look at these pictures you’ll see how much it’s meant to me (I don’t normally grin quite so widely when I’m having my picture taken!)

Robert Hruzek, Brad Shorr and myself: photo credit Joanna Young

Chatting with Jon Swanson: Photo Credit for Happy Times to Chris Brogan

Meeting Liz Strauss: photo credit to Terry Starbucker

I hope I’ll have many more such pictures to share in the months and years to come.

Thanks friends for your writing inspiration and your blogging friendship, which I treasure.