The Kinship of Other Writers

By Nichole Giles

I’m having a hard time concentrating this week. For the first time in days I actually have some time to write, and I even have a few ideas to flesh out. But when I sit down in front of the computer, I end up staring at the blank screen for long minutes. Don’t worry, though. I know why.

This weekend is the annual LDS Storymakers writing conference. And I’m excited because it’s two whole days of spending time with other authors. People who understand me and support the work I love to do.

A strong support system is crucial in our line of work. When we’re stuck staring at the blank page, (like I am now) or needing some encouragement that writing really is worth the heartache, or when the rejections start rolling in, we all need someone who will be there to tell us, “Hey, I know you’re brilliant. And someday, the rest of the world will know it, too.”

Sure, we have our families, and our non-writer friends. We love them, and they love us. But unless they’re writers, it’s very difficult for them to understand what we’re going through, and what we’re trying to accomplish. Especially if they don’t read what we write, and sometimes, even if they do.

We need a support system in which we feel a special kinship, one that gives us the ability to share knowledge with and encourage each other. Who says conferences have to be all about learning? (Although, that’s another thing I’m excited about—we all are.) Sometimes, it’s also about spending time with people with whom we share a common love.

So I’m not getting much accomplished this week because I’m so looking forward to hanging out with my friends. And next week, I’ll be bursting with great ideas and working frantically to at least write them down before they’re lost and gone for good. Such is the nature of the conference. I can hardly wait!