Too often kindness is relegated to a random act performed only when we’re feeling good. But an even greater kindness (to ourselves and others) occurs when we reach out even when we aren't feeling entirely whole . It’s not easy, and no one is perfect. But we’ve decided it’s not impossible to brighten the world one smile, one kind word, one blog post at a time. To that end, a few of us writers have established The Kindness Project, starting with a series of inspirational posts.
So I've teamed up with some amazing bloggers, as I am wont to do. Whenever I get invited to these things, I think, do I really have time for one more thing? And sometimes I don't, but this time I do.
To me, kindness and compassion are part of who I am. If you follow this blog, and you know me, you know I jump at the chance to help others. Especially other writers. I've been given a lot of help in my life, and the only way I know how to pay it back is to pay it forward. But this idea, this Kindness Project is supposed to be more than just that.
I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do yet. I mean it's been a long time since I worked in a soup kitchen in downtown Atlanta as a teenager, and it's been a long time since I volunteered for an animal rescue service in Saint Paul, and I don't know that with a family, a full time job, and a desire to be an author, that I have a lot of time for things like that anymore, but I do have time for something. I just have to figure out what it's going to be.
For today (this was actually already scheduled, and just happened to fall into place nicely) I've written what I think is an awesome guest post for my friend Jessica Salyer. It's a summary on query letters, my journey through the trenches (still going on) and lists a ton of great resources for getting to know the art of the query better. If you know anyone planning on querying soon, or if you're just curious to know more about how I (supposedly) got good at them. Please visit Jessica's blog, and read my post.
So I'll be thinking about what I want to do, but for now, please visit all the other wonderful bloggers involved in The Kindness Project:
Be sure to check them out :D We post the second Wednesday of every month. Want to join us? Grab our button and spread a little kindness.
49 comments:
What a lovely idea. Totally not surprised that you got involved! :o)
Love this. I can't wait to see what you guys do. I will check out the link.
Awesome idea Matt. I try too to help other writers by interviewing them and hopefully turning on new readers to their books.
I saw your guest post already. It was awesome and very helpful. Love the 3 C's.
Grabbed the badge from Lola's site - sounds awesome! (And glad it's the second Wednesday and not the first!)
There's always time for kindness. Amazing how when we take time for someone else, the time we NEED seems to grow exponentially.
ROFL!!! Did you peek into my computer the other day and read today's post??? Your group is definitely the second type of person I described.
This sounds awesome! :D
Matt, always inspiring. I know what you mean by life being pretty full. So, it's time to come up with something. Thanks for sharing.
Hooray! It's awesome to meet you, and to embark on this project with you. Can't wait to see what else is in store!
Great idea.
I'm a cynic, and a pretty jaded cynic for the most part. Seeing things like this helps to tone it down a notch and reaffirm faith that people really can be good!
I think you nailed it on the head, Matt. "but I do have time for something."
That's all it is. It doesn't have to be huge. Just a smile to someone who looks stressed out. Holding the door for someone with their arms full--or even for someone without anything in their arms. Little things add up, and take barely any time at all :)
I'd like to think we all have kindness or are capable of showing kindness whatever we do or whatever we feel and wherever we are. I mean just giving up your train seat to someone who needs it more than you is enough. Take care
x
There's no such thing as too much kindness. The world needs more kindness.
what a great idea!
So glad to be a part of this with you -- I'm looking forward to seeing what we make of it together.
what a great project
What an awesome idea! the world could use more kindness. I try to do stuff like this as much as I can. It's really about keeping my eyes open and finding people in need :)
Is this new? I just stumbled across it on Twitter, and I love it! And so many of my buds are participating! I love it, and you always pay it forward~ :o)
Glad to be in on this project with you!
If you're not already, become an organ donor. It's the ultimate act of kindness:)
This is a wonderful idea and I'm in the midst of querying, so I'll definitely check out your post.
Pamela
great idea, great cause.
Hi Matt, nice to meet you!! I'm happy to be a part of this project with you! And I LOVE all your query tips!! *bookmarked*
Another reason why I dig you so much!
I agree that you are very kind. I feel fortunate to count you as one of my friends, Matt. I hope we can meet someday, and that I can buy you a drink.
Bro...yo. 'Sup?
I'm so glad we're doing, living, being this project together, my friend.
And, what Saraboo said? Yes. It's the little things that sometimes mean so much.
Hugs and love,
Lola
It IS an awesome guest post, Matt, and a very useful one. Glad to be working on this project with you and everyone else!
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. Kindness from Matthew is cool.
- Lao Tzu
seen a couple of these today! The writer blogger world is filled with kindness. I've met so many helpful/wise bloggers that have helped me to better my craft over these past few years. What a wonderful endeavor!
Oh I love this. Not entirely sure what it means but will investigate the others. I love the blogging world - everyone is so kind and helpful to other authors and bloggers. None of this competition and back-stabbing. Love it. Well done you and I will see if I can join this.
Oh I've seen this floating around today. sounds pretty frickin' awesome my friend. :)
So glad to be in this project with you! You are an awesome example of someone who constantly strives for kindness. :)
I LOVE the thought of spreading kindness!
What a great idea. And you, Matt, are one of the kind ones. And now I'm off to read your post.
I think it's great what you do to help people with their query letters. I really do. That's a huge and stressful thing for an author, and it's much worse than the actual writing.
However, I'm feeling compelled to say this for some reason, I'm sort of wishing more people were pushing people to go beyond the query. To bypass traditional publishing. It's a sick organization and (I believe) shouldn't be supported.
(I was just reading last week from a (fairly) prominent author about another way the big publishers and (many) of the larger agencies have been taking advantage of their authors (and so many of the authors are so desperate to -be- published that they just let it happen.)
I've read some of the other post and think it's a wonderful non profit idea!
what a wonderful idea!
This is an awesome idea! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with :)
You've always been a fierce supporter of writers. It's one of my favorite things about you. I love this project so much. Awesome awesome awesome.
It's a wonderful idea. I hope it takes off.
Sounds like a wondeful idea. It's always good to pay it foward- you never know when it will come back around. Thanks again for guest post today. And your post is AWESOME!
Kindness should be ingrained. For me, it as normal as breathing. We were brought up to help others.
Matt, sometimes, what we think isn't much? It is much to those who benefit from it. Those little things count. Thanks for the list,I'll try to get to those blogs as I can.
Sia McKye OVER COFFEE
Ah, and that's the hangup with kindness, that it seems like such a big undertaking. You're right, though: even if we don't have time to do much, we can do *something.* I think sometimes we forget what a big deal the smallest kindess can be to someone.
Great post!
Bravo for organising such a wonderful project. I think there are too much horrible news in the traditional media so it's good to spread kindness and good news in cyber space.
The Spinster’s Vow
You're one of the kindest people I know, Matt. So generous and caring. The time and effort you put into helping others on their own publication journeys is absolutely priceless. I'm so glad to be a part of this project with you!
<3
Sounds like fun!!
Awesome!
Great, great idea! :)
Oops, I'm a bit late on this but I agree with what's been said, The Kindness Project sounds like a wonderful idea. Small or great it doesn't matter, a little bit of kindness can make a BIG difference in someone else's life.
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