Recently I had the most fortunate luck to spend a long weekend in London, hosted by Isabel Costello, a writer I met at a Faber Academy workshop last year. I’ve already written on this blog about how, though I’ve loved living in Europe, I feel isolated writing my novels in Switzerland (though Twitter is great, believe me!). Without a writing group or regular courses or workshops, I feel I’m always pushing myself forward rather than sometimes riding along on the energy of other writers. So it was a huge treat for me to spend a long weekend with Isabel and her family at her lovely home, with nothing on the agenda except to talk writing and eat and sip tea or wine. Like the workshop a year ago, this weekend at Isabel’s was hugely important to me as a writer: it was a time for me to live and breathe writing, to put it center stage, to treat it with gravity and respect. And it was also a time for me to get a glimpse of another writer’s world, in a place I’ve always loved.
What made this wonderful weekend possible was not just the workshop which acquainted us, but the trust we’ve developed through the ensuing months. Once we started emailing back and forth, we also sent each other some of our writing. I found Isabel’s comments hugely helpful, and she was quite willing to look at more. She has now read several versions of my newish manuscript, as well as some of another novel I was working on last year. Though I’m writing alone in Switzerland, I now have a sounding board, someone to whom I can pose questions and send my work. I’m also very much enjoying Isabel’s new manuscript, and feeling rather smug that I’m getting to read each chapter as it is finished.
As I said at the outset, I feel extremely fortunate. While Isabel has an immensely supportive writing group with whom she meets twice a month, she has become my writing partner of sorts, and the best kind of critic for me: someone who does a thoughtful, close reading and, though always tactful, gives me honest feedback. And while some readers focus on one aspect of the writing more than others, Isabel has made helpful suggestions on plot, theme, and pacing, as well as providing detailed analysis regarding style and word use, especially as my book is set in England, seen through an American’s eyes.
The weekend was a retreat, a sleepover, and a literary workshop all rolled into one and shared with a great friend. I couldn’t recommend this type of weekend to a writer more highly.
You can learn more about Isabel’s literary tastes and her writing endeavors at her blog, On The Literary Sofa.
Kristin Celms 
There’s nothing to beat having someone you trust to support you through the ups and downs of writing- it’s a win-win situation for both you and Isabel- all the best for your successful partnership!
Thanks so much for your nice comment, Helen! It’s so wonderful to have someone in your corner, isn’t it? (And I’m also remembering your recent interview with Karen.) It’s so important to get feedback – it’s something that scares many of us at first, I think, but once we get it we realize how much it can help us. Thanks again and looking forward to your next post!
That’s brilliant Kristin, it is great to have someone you can trust with your writing to support you – and a weekend in London sounds pretty good too!
Great to hear from you, Fiona! Yes, it truly can’t get much better than a weekend writing getaway in London! Though I’m still hoping to get to Scotland (maybe Edinburgh?)! I’ve learned so much about writing in the past year or so, and it really all started with that workshop. I feel much more connected to the writing community in the UK now, and it’s wonderful to have found someone there who can give me such helpful input.
Kristin – thanks for writing this wonderful post which brought back so many memories of a great weekend – it really touched me. I think we both broke our previous records for the longest time spent talking about books and writing! I am thrilled you had such a good time and to know that you find my input constructive (as it is always intended to be!) But most of all, I want to say that it’s a two-way street and that I am very grateful for all the help you gave me with Nothing Happens for a Reason and your superb ongoing support for my #2 (and my submissions…. that’s when you find out who your true friends are!!)
I hope this post inspires other writers to get involved in a partnership like ours!
Can’t wait to see you again at the York Festival x
Hi Isabel, and thanks so much for your very kind words. I think you’re right about the weekend – I don’t know if we ever stopped talking, did we?! Except when we had to sleep. It was one of the best weekends I’ve had, and for my writing it was very important both for the nuts and bolts stuff and what might be even more important: confidence, energy, and drive. Without those we won’t get anywhere. This business is so difficult at times, we really need special people with us through all of the twists and turns. I’m so glad I signed up for York. It would be so hard to leave London and look forward to – NOTHING! Can’t wait until September. xo
Yay! So great. It’s the best thing ever when you’ve got others who are supportive of your writing and want to help you make it better. A great critique partner and cheerleaders in your writing camp are what helps you power through I think.
Glad it was a fun (and productive) trip! 🙂
Hi Erin, thanks so much for your comment. I agree – our supporters make such a difference as we’re writing! And yet it can be so hard to share our work at the outset. I wish I had been more confident about it long ago!