Yesterday, I reviewed an interesting book, The Write Crowd, on Write Tribe. As usual, I also gave a prompt for our #100WordsonSaturday feature. This week’s prompt was: Write about a time you gave someone good advice about writing and/or blogging.
While I’ve received a lot of writing advice over the years, and plenty of blogging inputs, the prompt was to talk about what I had contributed to another writer’s learning. I could only think of a story – so here it is.
The Write Crowd Gone Wrong?
Ronnie discovered Kelli’s blog by chance. She began to comment on the blog regularly and slowly introduced Kelli to a lot of bloggers, forums and blogging events.
Kelli came into her own. They connected with other bloggers – Matty, Wanda, Sabrina… Ronnie had a fall out with Matty. The others were forced to take sides. The whole group blocked Ronnie on Facebook.
A year later came an email from Kelli: ‘I’ve been published. I want to tell you because I consider you my mentor.”
Ronnie was amused. She had heard of writer’s block. But mentors blocked?
Email acknowledged. Block continued.
I wish I could say that the ‘story’ was fiction.
Just today I read Sunita’s response to the same prompt. In her post ‘The Making Of an Author‘, Sunita shared how she encouraged another woman to write a book. A lovely story. I found a comment on this post most interesting. Another blogger wanted to know if the author had acknowledged Sunita’s contribution. My comment was that we’re not always acknowledged. Sometimes it’s enough to know what we did. And that’s true. There used to be a time when I was upset by a lack of acknowledgement – and in the story I shared, the total lack of respect. Not any more. We do our bit and if people don’t acknowledge or respect us, that’s their loss, not ours.
I would really love to hear your views on this.
“We do our bit and if people don’t acknowledge or respect us, that’s THEIR LOSS, NOT OURS.”
That is, and will forever be the bottom line, Corinne. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this story. The world is full of rude, self-centred people.
Debbie D. recently posted..THE YEAR WAS 1965 – #MusicalMemories #ThrowbackThursday
Thanks, Debbie. Yes, no point in having expectations, is there? 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..50 Inspiring Travel Quotes
Corinne, you really hit a heart spot with me today. Someone apparently made a digital recording of a healing session I did for her, and my favorite teaching story ended up in her book, word for word the way I tell it. You guessed it–no acknowledgement. Here’s the key for me: I believe in Upstairs Management, and this woman’s behavior does not escape Heaven’s notice. I believe accounts will be settled by a Higher Power. Sometimes, that’s our comfort. AND I am less quick to trust other writers and professionals now, less sharing of my material. I see that as maturity, not a step backward. Blessings to you, you bright light!
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Thank you for sharing, Kebba. I wonder how that woman reconciles with what she did to you. I tell myself that such people don’t know better. Spiritual illiterates, is how I’d like to think of them.
And I know just what you mean about Upstairs Management (love the phrase!). Yes, I think these lessons come to us for a purpose and we must learn to be more careful about what we give away.
Thanks again for your very meaningful comment.
Love and blessings from India!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..50 Inspiring Travel Quotes
While I agree that we may never know how we’ve impacted another person, and they may never acknowledge it, I read an interesting quote today that seems applicable here. For me, at the very least. “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” I try my best to thank everyone that has helped me.
Oh I absolutely agee with the quote, Debbie. Which is why I said the lack of acknowledgement is the other person’s loss, not mine.
Thank you for your comment.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..The Seeds You Plant
Ahhh yes… as a business coach advice is something I give daily and many times it goes not only un acted upon but often someone else getting the credit if acted up on and worked!
Always have to remember it’s my job to be a person of integrity and giving and I’m not responsible for what people choose to do with it – although it does feel nice when they do!
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My best friend is the reason I am a blogger today. She inspired and continue to inspire me. When I acknowledged the fact which I so at times when she is low, I can see the joy that brings to her. But I found lack of acknowledgement when I mentored others the way my friend did. Its disappointing and disheartening. Never the less I help people who want my help unlike before. Your post reminded me of the joy on my friend’s face. Thanks!
I like your attitude. Best selling author A. Catherine Noon has been a superb source of encouragement to me. I’m thankful to also know her delightful and inspiring writing partner Rachel Wilder. These two are part of a wonderful forum where writers support one another in all areas of both craft and life. I’m so glad for that friendly community, especially after getting a little emotionally banged up at another. Best wishes!
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What an enlightening post. Something to truly think about. Sad that people tend to help less because of rude, inconsiderate people.
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I agree with you corinne, I feel sad for people who lose opportunities, to be thankful and acknowledge for whatever they have learnt. I am thankful to you corinne, as far as my blog is concerned, I was inspired by your writings and can’t thank and acknowledge enough for all the help you have given me in learning to blog… I am still continuing to learn (rather slowly) and appreciate you for your generosity. Thank you for sharing this post .
When someone mentors another, we’d like to think the mentoree would do the right thing and be kind enough to acknowledge. But alas, people are imperfect.
Unfortunately, there are many cases where we pull each other down when the truth is that we are our tribe’s strength. You’ve put it so well Corinne and it’s such a powerful message. I’ve seen it at the work place.