Letters to the Editor
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The Sting of Rejection
Cary makes some excellent points.
As someone who worked in isolation for a number of years (and held down a day job most of that time), I discovered the truth of what Cary is saying a few years ago. Isolation is soul killing.
I have also attended workshops (not Ms. Schneider's)and had a small writing support group, both of which were very helpful.
My current support is an online writing critique group and this should be considered as well. Of course, it is a well-moderated group (important!), but there are no blasting critiques, merely suggestions to take or leave, and a "hooray" feature for successes. And yes, it can be depressing to see other people's success, but it can also spur you to keep going.
It is a great option for busy people and would certainly work with visual art, if only for mutual support and not necessarily critique. If you can't find a suitable group, it is easy enough to start one on Yahoo Groups.
It is hard to work and create, but it can be done. The Internet is a perfect way to get the positive reinforcement so vital to continued success.
Keep that in mind.
As an unsolicited testimonial, Cary mentioned Pat Schneider's "Writing Alone" in a column a while back and I immediately read it. It is probably the best book on writing (and is likely to be applicable to other arts) I have encountered.