Here's a fact. Hardly anything is one size fits all. Especially not writing methods or advice. Why? Because every writer, every story, every character is intrinsically unique.

So, my dear writer, try to keep this in mind with every bit of advice I give. I don't know everything about writing, and I have no idea what kind of writer you are. Hence why I'm doing my best to give generalized advice (and the occasional grammar rule that is a solid bit to follow).

Still, even though I don't know everything—or even that much— I'm excited and happy to share what I do know and learn along the way. Yet, there are some things that I believe to be universally beneficial, like today's topic—writing buddies.

I personally am a firm believer in the power of a good writing buddy. Sometimes, it takes a while to find a solid, dependable, helpful writing buddy. Trust me, I know. There have been many fellow writers that I've connected—but never really clicked—with, and at times, it was kind of discouraging to go through the process without someone to share and geek out with.

Luckily, that's changed. I now have multiple friends who are always so wonderful, supportive, and great to turn to when I need feedback. It's so much fun to have someone to turn to with the big and small ideas. Not to mention the hilarity that ensues during conversations about if a character would comment on another's butt.

(For those of you wondering, the answer is—yes, she did. Feel free to stay tuned into the REM Trials for that awesome scene.)

Still, there's a bit of a hit and miss to the writing buddy system. Because often times, you might find someone who doesn't work on a similar wavelength as you, you might find you grow apart, or you might not find anyone at all. (If that last one is the case for you, feel free to reach out!)

No matter what though, here's some general advice for writing buddies and feedback from peers in general—take it with a grain of salt.

This is probably one of the hardest and most important lessons that I've learned. Because, for me, I've gotten so trapped in the need to please everyone, that I often would end up writing merely for the audience. It usually ended the same, with me incredibly unhappy in the work. Yet, I felt like I had to follow every bit of the feedback I had worked so hard to get.

Then, I got so frustrated with the mixed comment and the frustration it brought that I went back to writing the story I wanted to tell. But, there's always room for improvement, so I would listen when I heard that something didn't make sense or line up, and made changes as needed.

Don't get me wrong, I love feedback. The difference is now it's viewed through a more critical eye instead of taking everything as fact. Like for example, when my sister initially started reading the first draft of my novel (which isn't here), she came back to me with red marked pages of comments. Some of which were good, and others which were...less than helpful.

In my opinion, a good writing buddy is both encouraging with a bit of critical. Because, while they should always be honest, tearing someone down without reason isn't helpful. Constructive criticism is giving good and bad comments together so you know what to do more and less of. Be sure to listen to the constructive help instead of the solely negative (or positive,) but still take notice of both.

Now, another thing, don't just find a good writing buddy, be a good writing buddy. Connect with people who share your passions and styles as best as you can. Encourage and evaluate the way you would want someone to for you. Talk through your ideas for a story and listen when they do the same.

I hope you all find a writing buddy that helps you with your projects and becomes a dear friend like mine have.

Stay creative, darlings. Xx

—Sai