Fun fact. I am part of two writer’s groups. One is all boys, except for me, and one is all girls. And I love them both! Each group has become dear friends, encouragers, motivators, and challengers, in my writing and in my life. I can’t imagine my life without these friends.

As a writer, it can be difficult to balance writing and adulting. I want to be able to grow as a writer and get published and write tons more books, but I also want to get married and have kids one day and travel and sing and act and so many things! When there’s only 24 hours in a day, and when sometimes it’s hard to turn my brain off at night and get a full 8 hours of sleep, it’s hard to find that balance and stay disciplined. But it must be done. I have the Lord as my source of help, and He has provided me with two friend groups who also help keep me motivated as they push me forward.

Today, I’d like to write a letter, sharing the things I love about all my writer friends, and encourage them and any writer who reads this in their writing journeys. 🙂

Effie – Wow. If you hadn’t told me your age, I would have thought you were in college or older because of your drive and discipline. Not only are you a writer, you’re an artist in every sense of the word. Wood burning and soap-making and map-drawing and character sketches… I love the fact that you are already pursuing and achieving so many goals. Will the going be rough at times? Absolutely. But if there’s anyone who has the means of being a successful indie author, it’s you! Don’t forget that, and keep going!

Drew – It’s funny to say that my dentist is one of my closest friends, and yet, it’s true! Even if I’ve had a hard day, your joy always makes me smile, and your stories are seriously amazing. Who knew combining Shakespeare and aliens could work so well? You did. And I love that you’re unafraid to mix unlikely genres. Your descriptive paragraphs are some of the best I’ve ever read, and that is not an exaggeration! Because of your zeal for NaNoWriMo, I am (fingers-crossed) going to give it a try this year!

Katie – I love the fact you and I both have long books and similar genres! I also love your sweet spirit and your curly hair! One of the things I automatically fell in love with in your writing was your strong female character and, of course, the romance in your story. I love that you’re detailed in your fight scenes (something I wish I could get better at), and your talent at character development will lead you far. Keep writing for the Lord, sweet friend; I can’t wait to see where your writing journey takes you!

Sam – Where do I start? Were it not for you, I never would have been part of the all-boys-and-one-girl writer’s group, and I quite possibly may have never found my all-girls writer’s group, either. Which would be so heartbreaking! I love the fact that even though you moved away and busyness keeps us from gathering each week, we have continued to meet when we can for over two years. That’s incredibly rare, and such a gift! In our writing styles, we may not agree on all aspects of one another’s books (you’re definitely the Tolkien to my Lewis), but you know what? I secretly love that. I love that you don’t shy away from the hard questions and from challenging my ideas. Were it not for you doing just that, I would not have revised my third draft to include LOTS more conflict and human fallenness that has made me fall in love with my book SO MUCH MORE. So thank you!! Keep being a challenger.

Adysen – Ahhhhh!! You SERIOUSLY need to get your poetry published! In reading your poems, my jaw literally hung agape. Not only are you a young woman after God’s own heart, the way your words drip with passion and paint vivid pictures proves you are wise beyond your years. You say you draw from your own experiences in your writing, and that’s one of the best ways to write. You may only want to focus on poetry, but I’m here to tell you, if you ever decide to try your hand in novels, it will be amazing. I truly believe that!

Luke – I can always count on you to text the group text with, “On my way to Sweetbay!” when you’re on your way. Every time. I can also always count on you to purchase an Italian Cream Soda with whipped cream! I’m so thankful to have found friendship with another fantasy writer who’s unashamed to boldly portray the Gospel in his story. Also, just so you know, what my Michiko is to you, your Rook is to me. I can’t kill Michiko’s character, and you can’t kill Rook. Okay? Okay. 😉 If Tolkien were to come back from the dead, I’m sure you two would become best friends. His mythology of Middle Earth is HUGE, but I might go as far as to say that your mythology is even more grand. I just can’t help but think of you publishing your book and opening an entire store dedicated to cards, games, artwork, and apparel from your realm. Let’s brainstorm more on this later.

Abby – I am grateful for our friendship! It’s perfect that our friendship started in the church library, surrounded by books, before we even knew that we were both writers. You are so strong in the faith and also unashamed to present the Gospel in your stories. I LOVE the fact that your story is an unlikely genre–That means it’s original. I also love that you stay true to your writing style no matter what. You have a unique genre and an original story that presents Truth, is well-written, and stays true to who you are as a writer. That’s SUPER rare! Keep writing in this way; it will lead you far!

I’m praying for each of you, that the Lord will lead you in His footsteps, that you will continue to learn and grow in your writing, and that our friendships will continue to make us stronger as writers and as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Love,

Jessica