For over a decade, all my writing (both published and unpublished) was carried out in academia. I hadn’t written a word of fiction. In 2013, I took on a contract job. After about a year and a half, the work ran out, but the contract was still in force, so they continued to pay me to literally sit at a desk for eight hours a day. I know, right? Great work if you can get it (no one but me thought there was anything wrong with this). If you’ve been around me more than a few minutes, you’ll understand that I cannot sit still for long, so I asked my supervisor if I could bring my personal laptop to help pass the time. My request was granted with no questions asked.
I have always been a voracious reader and have almost exclusively read Christian fiction since it became a genre back in—what? The 80s or 90s? Contemporary and historical romance were and still are my favorites. I had an idea rolling around in my head for a fictional story involving an undercover intelligence operative and a senator’s daughter in Washington, DC, so I began getting it down on paper, so to speak. It would never see the light of day, but it would keep my brain engaged. The more I wrote, the more ideas percolated.
I secured a full-time position at another company several months later. My boss took me to lunch the first day and when we were trading tidbits about our families, he uttered words that would change my life: “My wife is an author. She runs a writers’ group here in central Iowa.”
The rest, as they say, is history.
I joined the Des Moines (Iowa) Writers’ Workshop and squeezed every drop of inspiration from their various offerings. A six-week class on Monday evenings called “Starting Block” gave me the tools to actually write a book, not just word-barf. When they formed critique groups, I joined one.
This was the first time I would share any of my written words with another human being, and let me tell you, it was scary. When you write, a part of your heart drips into every sentence, and that makes you vulnerable. I crafted my first submission, attached the file, and froze. The cursor hovered over the upload button. I let go of the mouse and laid my hand in my lap. After a couple more tries, I did the deed, and immediately regretted it. What am I doing? What if they laugh at me? What if I’m a terrible writer? What if they kick me out? But I didn’t recall the post.
I attended the first critique group meeting with trepidation and came away with encouraging feedback and great suggestions. More importantly, I met people whose life experiences were very different from mine, and I introduced them to the genre of Inspirational (Christian) Romance. Not a single person there had ever heard of it. On the flip side, I learned about things such as werewolf fiction. At first, it was a bit horrifying, but in this particular instance, the writing was so good, and I have continued to learn from this author.
In 2015, our group settled into a permanent arrangement with five members. We met monthly and bonded over not just our writing, but our personal lives. When I released my first indie book, they attended the launch party. When I received my first publishing contract, they celebrated with me. They gave input on covers and expressed delight when I shared the finished products. We sneaked Christmas treats into our meeting room at the library to herald the season together. One of our members won several writing contests and got a novella published. We helped another author in the group craft a book chronicling the history of the baking department of the venerable Iowa State Fair and rejoiced when that book went out into the world.
And then was the pandemic.
We continued meeting by Zoom, but to say the least, it wasn’t the same. Now, three years later, two group members have moved on. The remaining three of us live in different states and continue monthly remote meetings. But it’s not quite the same.
I’m convinced that I wouldn’t have seven books out (and another three that are being re-released later this year and next) without my writing posse. Without the nurturing and support they lavished on me, I probably would not still be writing. They are woven into the fabric of my writing career in a way that will never happen again. I treasure their friendships and the memories of our time together.
The value of a support network, group, or posse—whatever you wish to call it—has countless benefits in our lives, whether or not you’re a writer. We all need encouragement on this rugged trek to our Heavenly home.
Do you have a posse among your neighborhood, town, church, or workplace? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. If you don’t, I encourage you to find one or make one. It might very well change your life.
Erin has been writing faith-based romance novels for almost a decade. She is published in multiple formats and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), where she has served as a judge, category coordinator, and was a 2021 Carol Award finalist. Grounding her novels in reality, Erin crafts characters who encounter events and hardships familiar to everyone. Her inspirational writing will take the reader down paths of both joy and pain, but always highlighting God’s faithfulness.
Great post. Thanks for sharing. Writing itself is such a singular activity. We need each other. And thank goodness for Zoom!
I do at my workplace and they are an inspiration!
I don’t think I can say I have a posse, but I do have several good friends in different areas of my life that I know I can count on to walk through life with me.
I don’t have a posse but I can see the benefits of having one. I do have some close friends who are helpful.
have a group
I have my best friend of 35 years who is definitely there for me when I need anything. My neighbor across the street has Dementia, so I spend time with her, and we go different places.
What a awesome group you were able to be part of! I would love to find a posse like that someday. I always find it hard when something that you love doing or being a part of comes to an end as people move on through different seasons in the lives.
As an introvert, I definitely don’t have a posse. Just the thought is overwhelming 😂😂 But I do have a best friend of 10+ years that is very similar to me and is in a similar place in life, and she has been invaluable to me in helping me navigate wifedom, parenthood, and all the things in-between. ❤️
I do have a group of friends that encourage me. Actually, more than one group! Some of the ones in my groups I’ve known since elementary school, and some I’ve known for only a few years. All are very important to me!
I don’t think I have a posse per say, but I do have couple good friends who provide support and encouragement.
Thank you, Carol. I’m grateful you’re part of my writing support network! You’re a blessing to me.
That’s great, Andrea. I’m sure you’re a blessing to them as well.
That’s what it’s all about, Melynda–either a group or individuals. I have two BFFs from childhood (60+ years) and we have each other’s backs 24/7.
Lori, I’m glad you have those friends, and I’m sure they are thankful for you as well.
I’m glad. It’s so important.
There’s nothing like a decades-long friend, is there, Bonnie? What a blessing you are to your neighbor. You are being Jesus’ hands and feet.
Yes, the moving on part has been sad, but as you said, on to new seasons. Keep your eyes and your heart open, and I think you’ll find your posse!
Friends like that are more valuable than silver or gold, aren’t they? I am an introvert, too–BIG TIME–and the decision to put myself out there was hard, but so worth it.
That’s wonderful, Trudy. Those decades-long friends are precious! Mine are like sisters to me.
That’s what I have as well–my two besties have been by my side for 60+ years now! I’m sure your friends are a blessing to you, and you to them.
I agree, we all need each other. My daughter and her little family live in the same town as my husband and I, plus I have family plus some friends. We all watch over each other.
I love that, Alicia. It’s such a blessing to have family nearby–plus friends who are like family. Some of us call ourselves “framily” :)
I don’t have a posse but my friends and family live around here except for a sister and her husband and son lives out of town and we try to see her a few times a year
We have a posse but we’re all together because of feral cats, stray cats, rescues, cat colonies, etc.
Our love for them is what makes it work.
It’s important to have someone. I’m glad you do!
Ahh, love this. That’s what makes any group of people powerful–a common cause. Bless you!
That’s such an inspiring story, I love how God brings people like this into our lives and how much it helps us.
I don’t really have a posse at the moment, I think as you say the pandemic caused a bit of a disconnect, and for me those years coincided with my youngest children being born and it’s just been hard to keep up with people. I do hope to have one again in the future though.
Good friends who can come alongside a person are hard to find but so worth it. My family has been such a great support system to me
It’s widely believed the pandemic caused a great deal of disconnect, and I’m afraid it will not fully come back. I hope you’ll find at least one friend to support you through these years of having young children, Ruthie–especially if you don’t live near family. Babies are a blessing but also a drain on Mom in almost every way.
I agree, Angeline. Any treasure unearthed is worth the hunt! My family is also very supportive of me–such a blessing.
Wow, this was such an inspiring post! Thanks for sharing your story. I think for me, it’s my family. :)
My sister and two close friends are my support group. I trust them with anything, and I know they have my back.
Isn’t that the best feeling? I have two lifelong best friends who are the same to me.
Thank you so much, Priscila. I appreciate your kind words. My family is also a great source of inspiration and support to me.
Yes. I am a member of the Proverbs 31 First 5 Facebook Encouragement team. We have a separate instant message group where we offer prayers, laughs, support and conversation with each other. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
I have members of my family that provide me support in various areas of my life. I know that I can count on them when things are not going well for me. They are such a blessing.
My family is my biggest blessing! I’m so glad you have yours to support.
Thank you, Debra. That sounds like a wonderful benefit from technology! I’m so glad to hear this.
My husband and I have been in a couples bible small group since our two children left the house. Many years later we are still meeting together. Two of us couples have stayed the whole time. The others come and go. Than God called my husband and I to another church. Still in the area. But Sandy, Steve, my husband and I kept meeting. Very soon we had couples from both churches joining our small group. During the pandemic we met online. Sigh. Yup just so not the same. But we took a vote and that is what the majority wanted. We all lived. Now the four of us are still leading a group, but totally different people. And these people really need the prayer warriors we are and more. It really is fun to see where God puts us and how He gives us the power to do what He wants us to do. Sandy, Steve, Phil and I have really grown as Christians and people through out our time as leaders.
I often wish I had a group, but I am coming to realize that a few very good friends are so very important and they are my ones I seek out for advice, good conversation, support.
You’re right, Tammy. It’s not at all about how many are in your support network. I’m glad you have a few trusted friends.
That’s a wonderful testament to the power of close friends. I’m so glad your ministry has come out on the other side of the pandemic.
My Bible study group is my posse.