Gratitude

My nerves felt raw with the anticipation of our first Zoom meeting. I questioned my lucidity - why had I voluntarily signed up for strangers to critique my work? I knew it must be done, but dreaded the vulnerability involved with the process. Had I only known - writing (with the hope of publication) is a long and winding road of exposing heart and soul to rejection.

These women surprised me in all the best ways. They listened to me and invested in my work, confident of its promise.

The feedback was delivered with the sincere desire for my success. I was choked up by their kind compliments and driven to improve by their intelligent insights.

I also read their work, stories that I know will grace bookshelves in time to come…and I can say I knew them when.

We’re in different seasons now - queries, edits, and re-writes. We still meet and discuss our progress and challenges, along with critiquing query letters, sharing writing contest opportunities, updates on the new baby (not mine), health challenges, and all the beautiful messiness life brings. They’ve become my dear writer friends and I’m so thankful.

A special shout out to the Women's Fiction Writer's Association or bringing us together and for Kristi Leonard for that push to sign up.