Whether you’re penning your first novel or you’ve been making up stories for a living since 1998, it’s 7,439% better—an exact number, ha ha—if you’ve got a community of fellow writers cheering you on.

While the actual writing part is usually you and your laptop, exchanging tricks of the trade, offering life-giving encouragement, or commiserating about the business requires a buddy. Or better yet, a few buddies.

Since moving to DFW in 2010, I felt like the proverbial fish out of water. Whenever someone asked what I did for a living, saying you were a writer, let alone a working writer, garnered some curious glances.

Like I moonlighted as a professional trapeze artist or invented the pizza throw blanket. Sometimes I wondered if I said “Yeah, I do PR for local rodeos” if that would’ve tracked better. In Texas that’s quite possible.

The good news is I did find my story-loving people in DFW eventually. We started a monthly book club two years ago, and it’s my favorite night every month.

But for writers in the query trenches, those waiting for good news from their agent while on sub, or working on round seven of rewrites for a revise and resubmit, a community of writers who’ve been there really helps. And this is where social media has actually been helpful for a change.

I’ve had friends who’ve read several (!!!) iterations of The Honorary Italians and generously offered honest feedback that helped move the story forward. Others have given well-timed pep talks on the days you’ve lost your purpose and feel like nothing is happening. Some have offered professional advice that made such a difference in finding an agent, while others have  checked in to make sure I was still getting my words in.

As one friend put it, “I know you have other stories in you too. Keep writing.”

I wanted to cry when I read that.

Recently, another friend indicated that I should be writing a Christmas story. And you know what? She was right. It reminded me how much fun it is to start from scratch with new characters, a new setting, and new opportunities to get your leads into trouble. It’s been the creative burst I needed as the year draws to a close.

So now I’m pausing for a moment of writer-y gratitude to everyone who has listened, encouraged me, and poured out their support by the bucketful. Thank you so much, and I’m honored whenever I can do the same. Grateful we’re all in this together. 🧡