K is for Kindness on today’s A-Z Blog Challenge
I seldom run into writers who are unkind. Maybe it’s because most of the writers I know or interact with online write for kids or young adult. But even those who write thrillers never say/write rude things to me or about me. Maybe I’ve been lucky.
I’ve had two rather blah reviews, but I can’t call that unkind. That’s just a difference of preference, and in both cases, the reviewer gave an opinion, not an unkind indictment of me or my work. 
What I love about kindness is the contagion that is inherent in it. When someone says something kind or shows some kindness, that small exchange works a special magic. I’m much more likely to smile at the next person or give a compliment or let a driver ease ahead of me in slow traffic.
What about you? Have you had any “rough” encounters with other writers or reviewers? How do you react to those “kind” exchanges? Any pay it forward moments?
Now I have to go visit a few of the hard-working A-Z Bloggers. Please stop in and be KIND enough to leave a comment.
When we're kind to others, we might start a chain reaction that goes on and on. I've had a couple of unkind reviews, but I remind myself they're entitled to their opinion and try to ignore it.
Love the deer and puppy.
I was broadsided in a good way when I entered the writing community. Kindness and generosity are the foundation of this creative network. I still remember a bad review from when I was one of the kids in Sound of Music years ago. They called us candy-coated robots.
Oh, that dog and fawn picture is precious!
Having people write mean reviews of my one-day-on-the-shelf books terrifies me. I try to keep it in mind when writing reviews, even if I don't like a book. I'm happy to know people have been kind to you!
I have seen a lot of writer/bloggers who have payed it forward to help me pursue my dream. Free crits with no hope of me ever giving them a great crit when I first started out. I have run into one very rude writer. But that was just one. I am proud to say!
This is a thought-provoking post. It made me realize that I always want to give back now that stuff is happening in my writing life. I want to give like those writers gave to me. 🙂
I agree that kindness is key! It's also hard to be in a bad mood when you're surrounded by kind people! Julie
I love the positive attitude here. Yes, kindness is contagious. I try to keep it as a default state of mind and hope that some of it will spark kindness in turn.
I've found everyone to be really kind! Great post!
I do my best not to worry too much if someone doesn't like what I'm doing. Most of the time they don't confront me directly anyway. If they do, I talk, not yell. I like to pretend I'm an adult even if I don't always act like it. ; )
That deer/dog pic is way too cute!
EJ
"What I love about kindness is the contagion that is inherent in it."
I love this! 🙂
I love this post because it's so true. There is so much kindness in our writing community and it feels like such a blessing to be part of it.
I've had a few 'unkind' remarks in my blog comments, but I see it as that being their issue, not my issue. 🙂
I really hope kindness is contagious. This post SO ties into my SECRET PROJECT, lol.
Angela Ackerman
Kindess really is contagious! And it's not hard to do. It's usually fairly easy to find something we liked even when we don't like the entire book. It's best to focus on that 🙂
I have found the mystery writing community just as helpful and kind. It's one of the things that makes the disappointments and frustrations bearable.
Now I'm off to cruise more blogs on the A to Z list. Catch you later.
Patricia Stoltey
Until I read this post, I hadn't thought about it…but you're right. Almost everyone I've encountered in the writing and blogging world have at least been polite. Then, you have those certain ones who really reach out and touch your heart with their kindness. It's a beautiful thing. Pay it forward moments…definitely. Awesome post!
Thank you for this post! There is a lot of kindness out there in the blogging/writing community. I think that writing is all about communicating and understanding, really connecting in a meaningful way through language.
I have received nothing but kindness from bloggers I follow. And I do my best to reciprocate. I am humbled and honored that anyone would read my blog and then comment too! And you, Lee, are among my earliest followers. Sweet.
I see a lot of kindness as I visit the bloggers on this A to Z Challenge. I guess that's why I chose this word for today!
I'm doing my best to spread the kindness.
Lovely post on kindness and I too haven't found any unkind bloggers everyone is always offering kind words and are helpful
You're so right about this–kindness. I know it's contagious.
I think Kindness is also linked to Karma. And I agree, writers tend to be helpful folks.
Very nice of you stop in Yvonne. Wish I could respond at your blog, but you don't have information posted that lets me do that. Hope you'll stop in again.
I don't have any books published so no bad reviews. I agree with you that the writer community is really a kind, helpful group of people. One thing I've learned is that it's okay to ask for help. Great topic for K.