A Writer's Inspiration

Alley Cats Mary and Casey

Every writer needs inspiration.

And some of you get said inspiration from different areas of life.

Some of you need a good book to remind what you are aiming for.

An...unusual circumstance (we are writers after all) to get those creative juices flowing

Some of you need to be pushed and pulled, proded and poked along the writer's journey.

And some of you (like me) need people.

People who love and support you.


People who've always got your back.

Alley friend Beth Vogt

But know how to give you a good stiff kick in the pants.

People who stop and pray when you're struggling.

People who understand when a hug is better than a lecture, when a promise that it's all going to be okay is better than the realistic, "pull your head out of the sand" order.

Then "yell" at you and remind you that life isn't easy and sometimes we have to push harder for God to make us stronger.

People who push and reminde you why you do this crazy writing thing.

Pepper and Casey

Because you want to get LOTS of FORTUNE and FAME.

Um, yeah. They also keep your grounded. ;-)

Good writing friends keep you laughing.  Keep you writing. Keep you motivated.

Right now in this season of my life with two jobs that grab three full days of my week, blogging, writing (really those are switched in importance, I promise), reviewing, life, family, responsibilities OUTSIDE the internet world, I cling to these friendships.

I am reminded that these other writers are on the other end of their computers with the same struggles (many with waaay more than I could dream of), but still pushing through. They are still plunking down to write, still squeezing in a few minutes to be inspired and thus inspire me.

Casey and crit partner Andrea Nell

No matter if you an introverted or extroverted person we all need someone. I think about all the people that probably don't even realize that in being them--they inspire me. Do you realize that in being the writer you are, you inspire other writers--even other people??? You are doing what a great deal many people can't do:

You are pursuing your dream.

You are taking an action where so many others are passive. Embrace this! It doesn't matter where you are in the process, you are in the process and you will never learn if you can do something unless you TRY.

You have no excuses. We have no excuses. I have no excuses. Here on the Alley we want to support you! We want to be the gals that encourage and support you and all we ask is you to turn around and do the same for someone else.

Keli Gwyn and Casey

That's what I learned at ACFW this year's conference. It doesn't matter who you are. You don't pay $1500+ unless you have a dream you're passionate about. You don't sit at your computer every. day. to write. unless you're passionate about this dream and dance with words.

And you no matter where you are, whether you've attended a large conference or not, you're surrounded by other writers also pursuing their dream. Be encouraged! LET yourself be surrounded. Cultivate those kind of friendships that will lift you up when you feel down.

And the best kinds of friendships is when the other person doesn't even realize they are buoying you up. Because in being them you become more of you.

You don't have to do this on your own.

No MATTER where you are.