The bravest thing a writer can do

Why writers need community

If you feel called to write, that calling can be thrilling, but scary. Pouring your thoughts onto the page is hard enough. But it’s not the hardest thing a writer must do.

One of my responsibilities as a faculty member of the upcoming West Coast Christian Writers conference is to read and critique writing samples submitted by conference attendees. They’ve submitted 1000 words of their book, for me to review. I’ll meet with these writers to offer encouragement, feedback, suggestions for improvement.

I marvel at these writers. They have done the bravest thing: let others read their work.

Writing invites us to be courageous and vulnerable. Do we dare to put down our thoughts, attempt to express our ideas? And then, to let others read our deepest thoughts?

There is value in writing just for yourself—working out your feelings or ideas on the page. Writing can be a means of self-discovery, a private exploration of our motivations, actions and responses to both of those.

Although writing is a solitary endeavor, you still need a writing community. A place to receive mentoring, encouragement and camaraderie. A place where you can be assured that you’re not crazy, that you can pursue your dreams of writing, being published, following your calling. If you want to write, your absolute next step is to find a writing community or mentor. You can do that by attending a conference, joining a writers’ group, or hiring an editor. Let’s look at all three options.

Should I attend a writers conference?

Attending conference offers a first step toward writing community. In less than two weeks, writers from across the country will gather in Roseville, California for the annual West Coast Christian Writers conference. I’m delighted to serve on both the board and the faculty of this prestigious conference.

 While some writers are content to simply write for themselves, most long for the connection that writing makes with their reader. C.S. Lewis once wrote that we find a friend when we say, “What? You too? I thought I was the only one!”

As writers, we hope that is what our readers exclaim when they read our books. That recognition of common experience or thought is why readers read, and why writers write. But in order to make that connection, to find that resonance in the soul of another, a writer must be terribly brave, and allow others to read their work. It is always the next step toward publication.

If you are currently writing anything, from a journal to the first draft of a novel, there comes a point where you must summon the courage to let someone read your work.

I urge you to choose first readers carefully. Find someone who will be honest but kind. Preferably another writer, or at very least, someone who reads a lot. Someone who knows what good writing is and can offer feedback that doesn’t just point to mistakes but shows you a path to improvement.

One place to get that kind of constructive and helpful feedback is to attend a writers conference. If you’re trying to crack the code on publishing and writing, your absolute best next step is attending a conference. You’ll meet other writers, agents and editors. You’ll learn about writing and publishing. While registration for in-person attendance at this year’s conference has closed, you can still get digital access, or make plans to attend next year. Here’s a link to register for digital access.

Attending online might be the perfect way to wade gently into the world of writing and publishing.

Why you should join a writers’ group

Another way to get helpful feedback on your work, and find sympathetic readers, is to join a writers’ group. If you attend a conference, you may meet other writers with whom you could form a critique group. Or, you can join a writing mentoring group led by a professional.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Last year, I led the very first Powerful Story Writers’ Group, a six-month learning and writing experience. I’ve been writing and teaching for more than two decades and this group provides a way to mentor and teach writers. Each month, we met via Zoom for teaching about writing and publishing. And each month, the members submitted writing that I would read and critique. My feedback focused on strengths but offered gentle instruction. The group provided accountability as they worked toward their goal of completing a rough draft of their manuscript.

Here's what some of the participants had to say:

• “I found the six-month group encouraging and challenging! I haven’t finished writing my book yet, but it’s a journey I feel better equipped to complete based on Keri’s feedback and commiseration from my writing group cohort.”—Pam

• “I enjoyed the time spent together each month learning from Keri and learning from each other.  I found that we all inspired each other in our writing journeys.”—Dawn

• "Keri is a skilled writer and teacher. The greatest benefit for the writers' group for me was the accountability it provided each month to stay with my writing."  --Catherine 

In 2024, the Powerful Story Writers’ Group is expanding into a one-year experience. We’ll meet every month for instruction and discussion. Participants will set a goal for the number of words they’re write each month, with the goal of completing a full draft of their nonfiction book in one year.

If you have a book you want to write, or perhaps have begun to write but feel stuck—this group will help you complete your manuscript in one year. You’ll learn all about writing and publishing from an industry professional (that’s me). You’ll find a safe place to do the bravest thing writers can do: let others read their work.

This year’s group is limited to twelve participants who are writing nonfiction. You can learn more and find answers to all your FAQs by reading this blog post.

Or, you can apply for group membership by filling out this Google form.

Self-publishing success story

Another way to get feedback on your writing is to work with a professional editor. Author Tanya Sparks Belvin came to me looking for help with self-publishing her Christian science fiction novel.

An added note: success stories contain amazon affiliate links. If you click through and purchase, I receive a small commission with no extra charge to you. It’s a great way to support this newsletter!

Tanya had a solid draft of her novel, The Resurrection Project, *affilliate link* but wanted help with taking it from draft to completed book. Like all authors she was surprised how much professional editing improved her book. I gave her book a thorough edit, then pulled together a team to design a cover and format the interior. We walked beside her for every step, from design to getting an ISBN to setting up her Kindle Direct Publishing account.

We guided her through self-publishing on amazon and in the first week, her book ended up on amazon’s top 10 for Christian fiction, and at the number four slot for new releases of Christian Fiction. (Congrats, Tanya!)

Tanya posted a short video on Facebook about the book. See it here. When people told her they liked the book, she asked them to post a review, and now she’s got a bunch of five-star reviews.

Tanya lives in a small town and after posting her video, several people shared it. A local newspaper called and did a story about her and the book. (Here’s a link to the story) 

Here’s what Tanya said about working with me and my team at A Powerful Story:

I am so thankful for all you did to help me complete the publishing process. I truly believe that the book cover design has also played in integral part in the book's success. It is so professional looking as compared to other self-published books. 

Honestly, the first thing I would suggest for those who want to self-publish is to contact you. You are the reason I was able to successfully publish. I appreciate the fact that you were willing to call me and allow me to call you with concerns or questions. The Zoom meetings also helped me gain understanding by showing me examples on your screen. Your expert editing highlighted issues that needed to be changed. I believe having a striking book cover has helped with the sales.

If you’ve got a manuscript and are ready to self-publish it, but need guidance along the way (and a great team of editors and designers), contact me here.

Whether you attend a conference, join a writers’ group, or hire an editor, taking the next step on your writing journey involves the brave and vulnerable act of sharing your writing with others. It can be intimidating, but it will result in tremendous growth, and ultimately boost your confidence and capability as a writer.