Writing can be a long, lonely process. It shouldn’t be, yet frequently it is. I’ve spent well over a decade living in my head, slowly crafting and creating the characters that appear on my pages. Writing is a process of love for me, though I mean love in its truest sense. I feel warm fuzzies when I pass a milestone or read a passage that I am particularly proud of, I frown in unamusement when I reread something that makes absolutely zero sense (eventually we will talk editing style), and sometimes we sit down and have real, vulnerable life discussions. 

Two years ago, I started telling people that I like to write, and that I was writing something. That was my first step. I shared that I had a passion for writing, and I was welcomed. Not by everyone, of course, that is not how the world works. But that is not part of my story.

I found people who also liked to write and share stories and be expressive of their hopes and dreams. That support, that community, was what made me realize that writing does not need to be lonely. Writing is actually a team effort.

Stay with me here. I am sure you are asking how writing is a team sport if there is only one writer listed under ‘author’. Well, your community might not be cultivating the story with you, but they are right alongside you. They are the ones who ask time and again how your writing is coming along, what you are working on, and when they can see something. They are the ones that smile and tell you that they are proud of you for every step you take forward. They are your voluntary editors, readers, and reviewers. 

I say all of this, because I would not have made it here without my team. The path forward does not seem as daunting knowing that I have such an amazing, supportive group around me. So thank you.

Thank you to my fiancée Chris, long time recipient of my latest plot hook or crazy idea. He is my patient last minute editor, bringer of tea and food, and a kind ear.

Thank you to my parents for asking me each year when a thing will be published and always encouraging me to press on. I am excited for the day I can hand you a book.

Thank you to my friend and accountability partner Ash. Thanks for calling me on my bullshit when I say I am going to write 10,000 words a week plus all the other life goals, and listening to me bemoan a frustrating plot problem. You are a wonderful human.

Lauren and Simon, thank you for all of your help with the website. Lauren, you’ve been a constant source of positivity and incredibly helpful critiques. Simon, oh-my-god you edited my website! Thanks for raising my editing bar and helping me understand some of my weaker editing spots. I needed that.

I could not have gotten this far without my team, and I am so grateful for them. So for everyone mentioned, and anyone I missed (and I am sorry if I have, I love you and you are wonderful!) … thank you. Thank you for being there and reminding me that writing does not have to be a frightful, lonely journey. 

For other writers out there, if you are reading this and wishing you had a support system, start by looking around. Take the small steps, and you will be surprised. I did not realize the strength of my community until I leaned into it, and I am so glad I did.

Needless to say, gratitude is so important. So, thank you again to my team, my community, and my supporters out there. I appreciate your time and thank you for supporting my dream.