posted on September 26, 2019 by Lynn Winchester

“I Can’t Do It Alone” – The Importance of a Support System

by Lynn Winchester

When I was asked to write a blog post, I racked my brain for topics that would be of interest. There are several things I could share about my book A Lady Never Tells, but I felt that lots of authors can gush about their books, but that’s not me. I wanted to write something that could be of use to my readers.

So, here it is.

As a human being, I have a knack for falling into moments of anxiety—even more so after I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Now, couple that with the imposter syndrome all authors face and you get someone who cripples themselves before they ever set foot outside of their comfort zone. That’s me. I have to make a concerted effort to be stronger than the fear, and it helps that I have an amazing support system to help hold me up and push me forward when all I want to do is dig a pit and slide into it.

Everyone needs and deserves a support system. What does that look like?

Partner

Many of us are blessed with a significant other, someone who has seen us at our best and at our worst. For me, that is my husband, Jeremy. We’ve been married for 16 years, and I can honestly say it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long. Of course, we’ve had out knockdown, drag out fights, but he is still my best friend, my lover, my partner, my protector, and my leader. He makes the decisions that would cripple me in my anxiety—he lifts some of the weight off my shoulders, allowing me to breathe, to thrive, even. I don’t know where I’d be in my career—in my life, without him.

Do you have someone like that?

Family

Where would any of us be without our families. Sometimes they are a blessing to us, and sometimes they are a burden, either way, they shape who we are. My family is a little dysfunctional, but whose isn’t? I was raised by a single mother, and though I wasn’t always the nicest daughter to her, she is still and always will be my biggest fan. I got my love of books and reading from her. She nurtured that love by taking me to the library every weekend—which required walking several blocks, taking two buses, and then hauling all my books home with us. I cannot tell you how many times I hid under my covers after lights out to read a book.

Today, my mother is my sounding board for book ideas (though she always tells me how wonderful they are), and she is the best word of mouth advertisement for my books. She tells everyone she meets about her daughter, the author, and she owns everything I’ve ever written, including the terrible handwritten stuff from when I was a kid.

Where would I be without my mother in my corner? I love you, Mom.

Online Social Circle

The smaller the world gets (online) the bigger your social circle—at least that’s what I’ve found to be the case. I have thousands of Facebook friends, and I have only met a handful of them. Still, many of them have been a strength to me when I was falling to pieces. Some of them have come to my aid when I’ve been wounded by the ugliness of the publishing industry. There are those who beta read my books and offer constructive insight that only helps me be a better writer.

There is one group, Regency Kisses: Lady Catherine’s Salon, where myself and 7 other Regency romance authors gather together and share our love of Regency romance. We spend each week focusing on different topics, share trivia, host giveaways, and invite our readers into our lives. It is one of my favorite places to be. I love having that connection with those ladies, and I cannot tell you how much help they’ve been to me when I’ve felt lost in all the research.

Readers

Finally, but most definitely not least, are my readers. <cue the tears> How do I even put my appreciation for you into words?

I am utterly flabbergasted that anyone would pick up one of my books, read it, and then CHOOSE to pick up another. It boggles the mind.

You read my work, leave reviews, and share my posts on social media. We are friends and I have never met you. When I am feeling like am imposter, as though I don’t deserve to write another word, I read through your notes or your reviews of my books, and it lifts me up, helping me to get back on my feet.

Where would I be without you? I couldn’t do any of this without you.

Being human has its ups and downs, and having a career as an author is also mired with pitfalls and booby traps. But, when you have a support system in place, and you know you can draw from their strength when you so desperately need it, it makes things that much easier.

Thank you, to all of you, for being my foundation on which I can build my success.

Lynn Winchester

Lynn Winchester

Lynn Winchester is the pseudonym of a hardworking California-born conservative, now living in the wilds of Northeast Pennsylvania. Lynn has been writing fiction since the 5th grade, and enjoys creating worlds, characters, and stories for her readers.

https://www.lynnwinchester.com/

3 thoughts on ““I Can’t Do It Alone” – The Importance of a Support System”

  1. Nicole Laverdure says:

    Your books are a delight to read Lynn! Keep on writing those wonderful stories!

  2. It takes courage to write stories and put them out there. It takes even more courage to share on such a deeply personal level as this post, Lynn. What you’ve written is absolutely true. I salute you!

  3. Support is essential for writers, I couldn’t agree more! We all imagine the writer sitting alone in their garret, but really none of us could do this without support, without community. Thank you so much for sharing this!

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