You're never by yourself

Cheering for the Knicks

There is no 'i' in team but there is in win. -Michael Jordan

Dear Writers,

Let’s go Knicks!

Writing might technically be a mostly solitary activity, but we know that no book gets created alone. We need our peers. Our agents and editors. And of course, our readers. I grew up with the motto “teamwork makes the dream work.” I believe in brainstorming, workshop, and feedback. Which is one reason why this New York Knicks team has me cheering. I am really enjoying the sense of unity, excitement, and purpose—on and off the court. They’re easy to cheer for, because the team is playing together. They are playing with confidence and purpose. Because they never give up on each other. I’m also enjoying seeing all the former Knicks in the stands. So many of the names I grew up cheering for, including Clyde Frazier (who is still bringing the swagger), Bill Bradley, Patrick Ewing, and Earl the Pearl Monroe. My dad’s favorite player ever was Willis Reed. I’ve been imagining Marty Glickman (the subject of my next PB and the radio voice of New York sports…for years) calling these games.

Why Dad admired Reed: he played hurt. He put the team first.

So I know he would love (as much as I did) what Karl Anthony Towns told Jalen Brunson: “You’re never by yourself.” Isn’t that the best thing to hear? Being part of a team ALWAYS feels better than working alone. Especially when you’re having a bad day?

Honestly, don’t we all need this, too? Especially now????

I was thinking about how I felt when Covid started closing things down. I called myself an extrovert in exile. I couldn’t imagine being alone. Now, we’re all more used to it, aren’t we? We have accepted seeing people less. We work hybrid jobs. Lots of conferences aren’t coming back.

I wish this wasn’t okay.

I don’t know about you, but I do so much better when I am not always by myself.

I heard that over and over again at the Tony Awards last night, while they entertained us with some great numbers. (I was lucky to see a lot of the winning productions this year. It was a real privilege!) Last night, I loved hearing veteran actors thanking voice coaches, babysitters, casts, and directors. No one does great work all by themselves. I am grateful to my friends for sticking with me, for riding the ups and downs of the writing life. Our conversations make the difference. If you want a good cry, listen to Leslie Odom singing this! I dare you not to feel the heart of that song!

Our words have power!

I’ve written before about group zoom sprints and“Write here write now.” Working together is definitely helping me get things done and feel more confident. Retreats and classes have never been optional for me, but now I’m actively looking for chances to get out of the house and meet other writers. This teamwork feels mandatory. Working side by side with other writers is what helps me try new things.

Are you ready to stretch?

Who is part of your main character’s team? Who is cheering for your character? Helping them get what they want?

Are they family? Friends? Teachers or classmates? How long have they known each other? Do they share a backstory?

If you can come to this Saturday’s Virtual Retreat, you will hear me talking about all the ways that the origin story imposes itself on the story. Today, explore that origin story. Who was there? Why do these characters stay together? Are they a team like the Knicks? If not, why not?

Here’s the info:

Have a great writing week!

xo Sarah