Sherry Kyle here, sending you greetings from Central California. 

As writers we can become discouraged. Day after day we sit alone by our computers attempting to fill the screen with meaningful words. We receive many rejections before the acceptance call finally arrives. And often times we wonder if our writing is good enough.

What can we do during the discouraging times?

Philippians 2: 1-4 says, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

When we take the focus off of ourselves and give to others, we become renewed and joy-filled. And more like Christ. 

Here are ten ways we can help other writers:

• Meet a new writer for coffee and give them your best tips on how to get started writing for publication. 

• Read/critique the first few chapters of a writer’s manuscript. 

• Judge a writing contest.

• Offer to be an influencer for someone by writing a review on your blog and/or other sites.

• Give a shout about the book you’re reading on Facebook and Twitter.

• Volunteer at a writer’s conference. 

• Send a note of encouragement to another writer.

• Teach a class or workshop. 

• Compliment a writer’s work in front of others (including editors). 

• Find a prayer partner(s) and pray for one another.

By giving of ourselves to others we’ll have the same love, be one in spirit and of one mind as Jesus Christ. And we’ll be encouraged in the process.

Blessings,

Sherry