The Women Who Keep Me Writing
They say writing is lonely. But I don’t think that’s true anymore. Some days, my words exist because five women thousands of miles away told me I had to write them.
It sounds crazy, I know, to credit all your creative drive of a group of people you’ve only met a handful of times. But that’s only what people see when they look at us. Six strangers who met in the queue to see an author speak, all brought together because they loved the same book.
And do you know what? I was terrified walking up to that queue. I’d arranged to meet with two of the ladies from a Facebook post about the event — kids, don’t meet strangers off the internet. Do as I say, not as I do.
Despite having spent three years travelling the world and helping others with their trips, this was out of the orbit of my comfort zone. But one word led to another, led to squeals and excited laughter. To sitting together and photographs and girlhood how it’s meant to be. Joyful and entirely unfiltered.
We stayed in touch after the event and it was mere days before we were planning our very own “book retreat”. A weekend where we could hang out, relax, and read. (Spoilers: zero reading would be achieved because we couldn’t stop talking or laughing).
So the moment I started plotting my first book, and unraveling the tangled web of plot lines, personality, and, well, penises, I knew exactly who to tell.
Finding Support As a Writer
The beauty of having a group of friends who love books is they are just as excited about the process, and hearing all the tiny breakthroughs and BIG world building moments as they are at the idea of a completed manuscript.
They don’t pressure but they do motivate. They don’t dictate but they do inspire. They don’t judge but they do critique and suggest.
It’s a fine balance, because when you share something so personal, you’re sharing a piece of your soul and asking:
Will you still accept me?
Will you still love me when I’m this raw and exposed?
And they have. Unequivocally.
They ask for updates before I’ve even opened the document. They talk about my characters like they’re real. And suddenly I’m not writing into a void anymore.
I’m writing into a chorus.
I used to think motivation was something I had to manufacture.
Turns out, sometimes it’s the people who won’t let you give up — even on the days you want to. I’m a sucker for validation as it is, but knowing they care just as much about the story as they do me is more powerful than I ever imagined it would be.
And you just know when I’m fleshing out the characters, plotting the romance sub plot, and conspiring just how I’m going to tear their hearts out before putting them back together, I’m kicking my feet and giggling.
Not because I’m sadistic or want to cause them harm. But because I know they’re going to love and devour every second of it.
So this isn’t a post about friendship. It’s a thank you, to my darling Shadow Mummies.
For reminding me that we’re never really doing this alone.
And for being the reason I have to write these books now.
