As Writers, We Must Seek to Learn and to Teach
When it comes to learning and sharing information, I developed a guiding principle to direct me along the way. I call it Peter’s Law of Reciprocity.
Peter’s Law of Reciprocity states: “Everyone you meet knows something you don’t, so politely and tactfully learn what it is. Conversely, everyone you meet doesn’t know everything you do, so be willing to graciously share whatever you can when asked.”
I started this blog to share what I know about writing and publishing. I’ve been writing most of my life and have been a published writer for over three decades. I’ve learned a lot along the way and am willing to share what I’ve gleaned on my journey as a writer.
I’ve also been a magazine publisher and editor for the past seventeen years. In that time I’ve edited thousands of submissions. While doing so, I’ve picked up a thing or two. And I’m willing to share these experiences as well.
I use this blog to give back to the writing community. In this way, I try to fulfill the second part of Peter’s Law of Reciprocity, of sharing whatever I can.
However, there are things I’m just learning about, too, things for which I have little experience. In these instances, I tap the first part of Peter’s Law of Reciprocity, of learning whatever I can from others.
I talk about this new information in this blog, too, not as an expert, but as a fellow traveler. These new areas include writing fiction and book publishing. (Yes, although there are many similarities, publishing a book is much different than publishing a magazine.)
As I pursue my just-in-time learning to gather the information I need when I need it, I’m willing to share that, too. And I learn from you in your comments, both on this blog and in person.
We’re in this writing journey together. And as we travel down our path, we can learn from each other, as both teacher and student. That’s the guiding principle for this blog. And as I often say in my newsletter, write on!
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Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is a full-time, career author. He’s published scores of books, hundreds of articles, and thousands of blog posts, with experience as a publisher, editor, and commercial freelance writer. A passionate wordsmith, his goal is to change the world one word at a time. Learn more at PeterLyleDeHaan.com.
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