My youngest son recently adopted a 9-month-old sixty-pound rescue dog who has lived most of her life as a stray. In the house, Cassie is the perfect dog—relaxed, affectionate, and obedient. But outdoors, demons lurk. At first, any unexpected noise or the sight of another person or dog caused her to freeze, hackles raised and visibly shaking. She refused to walk past the end of the driveway. She loved riding in the car but refused to get out once she arrived at the park. I offered what advice I could long distance, but despite my son’s patient approach, I feared this would be a long and difficult road.
I was wrong. In a few short weeks, Cassie has shown huge improvement, and although training continues (as is true for any young dog), her world is no longer quite so scary. New people are now fun, and new places are an opportunity to explore. What made the difference? My son—someone she could count on—had her back.
I thought of Cassie as I listened to Nancy Johnson, award-winning author of THE KINDEST LIE, give the keynote address at the recent WFWA (Women’s Fiction Writing Association) Conference. Nancy’s path to publication, as is true for most of us, has been long and full of challenges, but as she described the zigzags of that journey, she named the other writers who had supported her along the way. Writing partners. Accountability partners. Beta readers. Cheerleaders. People who encouraged when things looked grim and celebrated when success arrived. Her message came through loud and clear: every step of the way, someone had her back. And that made all the difference.
Writing can be a solitary endeavor. When I’m staring at a blank piece of paper, it can feel like a lonely challenge. But my writing life wouldn’t be what it is today without the other amazing writers who bless my life—writing group members, editing partners, association members, mentors. Friends, every one of them. Friends who get it.
Trust me. The writing and publishing world is far less scary when somebody has your back.
Who do you rely on in your writing? Click Reply or Comment below.
Etcetera
On the writing side of things, I’m overjoyed to share that I’ve finished the first draft of my current manuscript. (Sorry, still no title yet — I’m working on it.) I hate first drafts and love editing, so I’m delighted to dive into Draft 2 and see where things end up. Meanwhile, WHAT THE MOUNTAIN REMEMBERS is out on submission to publishers. Keep your fingers crossed!
And, of course, here are a few more photos. My granddaughter has a thing for hats, so I took a few crazy ones to my last visit. And this doe was drinking beside the Greenway path this morning. My own rescue dog was fascinated.
Keep scrolling for this issue’s Giveaway.
This Issue’s Giveaway:
INDIGO FIELD, by Marjerie Hudson
If you’re a fan of Pat Conroy and Southern literature, this one’s is for you. A powerful book filled with rich, multi-layered characters, a strong sense of place, and beautiful writing, INDIGO FIELD transported me into a story I didn’t want to leave. Marjorie Hudson’s skill is evident on every page as she weaves the present, the past, the real, the imagined, and multiple cultures into a seamless tapestry . Definitely a book you should add to your reading list.
If you’re a subscriber, you're automatically entered to win this copy.
Congratulations to Melissa N., who won a copy of THE PERSONAL ASSISTANT by Kimberly Belle in my last issue.
Book Clubs
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