Do you enjoy expressing yourself with words? My love for writing began with reading. My Mom began reading to my brother and me when we were young. Favorite books included anything by Dr. Seuss: Green Eggs and Ham, Fox in Sox, Sneetches on Beaches; as well as Aesop’s Fables.
In junior high I collected as many volumes from the Nancy Drew series as I could. Instead of just words on a page, each book took me on a journey – painting pictures of far-away places and introducing me to fascinating characters. I couldn’t get enough. I was hooked.
Reading fueled an active imagination and I loved making up stories. But I didn’t get serious about writing until years later – and it didn’t take long to figure out, writing was hard work.

If you’ve felt the nudge to write, I’d love to come alongside you with some tips and encouragement I’ll be sharing every month on this topic. Each post will be designed to help make your journey as a writer a rewarding experience, while guiding you away from the things that might trip you up.

Getting involved in a community of like-minded writers can go a long way toward helping you get the right start and keeping you motivated for the long-haul.
Check out local writers’ critique groups for your particular genre. When I got started writing, I connected with a Christian writer’s critique group that met monthly. I got fabulous feedback on my work-in-progress (WIP) and made friends I still keep in touch with today. Most of these types of groups are free to join and can provide you with a wealth of information.
Some on-line communities to consider:

Hope*Writers – “We are a community who write about hope, who value encouragement and practical advice about writing as craft, business, and calling. We believe we do our best work when we have good support.
We want to help you skip the learning curve we’ve had to struggle through.” (This is the group I’m currently a part of – it’s been excellent. Affiliate link)

Compel Training – “Started and led by NY Times best-selling author, Lysa TerKeurst, COMPEL Training is a monthly membership community equipping writers with the tools and skills needed to hone their craft, producing words that move people. In addition to the practical side of writin, we also provide encouragement to keep pressing on with our professional life coaching, inspiring messages and community groups.” Registration opens periodically. (Fantastic content. Two thumbs up from me)

Tribe Writers – “Tribe Writers will teach you to discover your unique writing voice, find the audience waiting for your words, and build a platform that will get you paid and published.” Registration opens periodically. (I was part of the first group that went through the Tribe Writers course – it is excellent, and I’d highly recommend it)

Platform University -“Specifically designed to help you launch your platform or build it faster than you could on your own. If you want more visibility for your product, service, cause, or brand, this opportunity is for you . . . Each month, members receive the inspiration, training, and resources they need to succeed while avoiding the most common – and costly – mistakes.” Registration opens periodically. (A wealth of information. Another two thumbs up from me)