Comments on: Destressing Step 3: Form a Circle of Supportive Colleagues

By: Janet Ann Collins

Janet Ann Collins — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:01:17 +0000

Most of my closest friends are from critique groups. What would we do without other writers who understand it all?

By: Samantha Bennett

Samantha Bennett — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:14:52 +0000

Haha, I agree with Bill. Love getting away from my computer and hanging out with people who don’t care about sentence structure. But I’ve never caught a 5-pound bass, or any-pound bass for that matter. I also love my critique groups. I’m in two and their advice/support has been instrumental in improving my writing.

By: Bill Giovannetti

Bill Giovannetti — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:32:41 +0000

I am super-blessed to attend church with three other published authors, and we encourage each other.

I also find that having a life outside of publishing and writing helps with stress. My identity is more than my writing.

Setting the hook on a 5-pound largemouth bass makes up for a whole lot of rejection slips.

By: Linda Stanek

Linda Stanek — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:17:26 +0000

I’m lucky enough to be in two different critique groups who keep me up when I’m down, and grounded when I have my head in the clouds. One is local, and it’s great to get together for lunch, critiques and sharing. The other is online, and we live from Alaska to New York. They are not only a great bunch of writers who help me create my best work, but are also great friends who support each other through writing and life.

By: Lynn Dean

Lynn Dean — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:34:35 +0000

I can’t say enough good things about my critique buddies! The Lord providentially blessed me with the five ladies I was grouped with “pot luck” through ACFW. We’ve grown together, prayed, coached, cheered, and commisserated together. They each have a unique perspective and a unique way of ministering.

Through an ACFW online course, I met another friend. She and I have similar styles, so we brainstorm and critique for each other, too. That’s a different type of relationship, but both are valuable to me in their own way.

Finally, and also through ACFW, I met another Christian fiction writer in my town. (This was a real God-thing because my town is not that big!) This relationship has been valuable because this friend is a few years ahead of me in the writing process. She has been a mentor and great encourager.

You are very right about the importance of good support along the journey!

By: Kristen Torres-Toro

Kristen Torres-Toro — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:34:57 +0000

I am so thankful for community. It means so much to be able to share life–and my heart–with people who care and understand. Definitely “de-stresses” me too!

By: janetgrant

janetgrant — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:52:47 +0000

Rachael, I love your line “I can share anything with that bunch!” That’s what we’re all looking for.

By: Rachael Phillips

Rachael Phillips — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:39:47 +0000

Wendy is at the forefront! She believes in me. The past four months, my novella writing partners,Cynthia Ruchti, Becky Melby and Eileen Key, have kept me afloat with detailed critiques, prayer and encouragement. So important for an author’s first published fiction! I’ve also worked with an on-line critique group from my alma mater for eight years–I can share anything with that bunch! And ACFW Indiana rah-rahs me when I need a few pom-poms waved on my behalf. Blessings all!