The Benefits of Reciprocity for Writers

Each of us is born with a box of matches inside us but we cant strike them all by ourselves. - Laura Esquivel

I must admit, I’ve been a little disappointed in the level of reciprocity given by fellow creators in general. I’ve been disappointed in the amount of engagement I receive sometimes, especially when I am seemingly forgotten about in only a day or two of lacking to promote myself to this small Vocal family. I already know and accept that I will never receive much support from my real-life friends, family and acquaintances. That’s just a fact of life. I hold Vocal peers to a higher standard, because I think we all want the same thing - recognition. But in order to remain recognized, we must give recognition on a regular basis. I am a firm believer in that, and I thought I was practicing that idea religiously, but I seem to be missing something.

Am I just squeaking for attention? I hope not. I’m trying to make a point. We, as creators who want to be respected, must also give respect to others. We need to venture from our narrow tunnels of limited vision and put effort into maintaining relationships, into connecting with our peers. In a greedy sense, by boosting others, we boost ourselves. By reciprocating, we will be rewarded. By rewarding others, we reward ourselves, however reward looks to you - fame or fortune or maybe just a quiet pat on the back.

What happens if we fail to offer consistent support of our peers? Deafening silence. Which is what I’m hearing right now, so I am failing to honor my own words. A sign to me that I need to a dig little deeper into my own efforts.

We all want attention, but are often lax in giving it.

(I realize that in life, people’s time and attention ebbs and flows. If you can’t or won’t follow up in a timely fashion, than you probably shouldn’t ask for readers.)

WHAT CAN WE DO?

BE HONEST

You must be honest with yourself first. If you want better results, then you need to identify where you need to put your effort. That starts with honestly questioning and answering yourself. It can be difficult to accept accountability, but if you truly want to be better, you will.

TAKE ACTION

Understanding and making a plan is nice, but without action on your part, nothing will change. Using the Subscription feature on Vocal is also a good way to stay connected with writers on the platform. Read stories by others, leave comments, encourage other creators. Hint: You need to “give” more than you “receive.”

CHEER FOR OTHERS!

Anothers successes take nothing from you, and being genuinely happy for someone else may make your own candle burn brighter. On the other hand, a candle goes out in a vacuum.

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Really, why are people going to read what you put out? Because you’re a genius? Maybe you are, but your genius is only going to get you so far. In the end, it’s your character that shines through. We all want to be more than just a “flash in the pan.” We have more likelihood of achieving lasting and meaningful success if we do it together.

These are all good concepts which I, personally, will be considering. It’s important to me. I hope it’s important to you. Our success is riding on it.

Thank you for reading! Do you agree? What will you do to make a lasting impression? Leave a note in the comments so I can look you up!