We’ll Get You

We’ll Get You

by Sharron Cosby

“All my prayers for you are full of praises to God! When I pray for you, my heart is full of joy because of all your wonderful help in making known the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now”

(Philippians 1:3-5, TBL).

Budget permitting, I’d attend every writers conference in the United States. Maybe a few scattered around the globe. Why would I invest thousands of dollars hopscotching the country to hear similar material presented over and over?

Because of new and interesting people. I met some of my dearest friends at conferences or writers’ retreats. Like-minded, we sit up all night hashing out plot points, deep points of view, character developments, and a myriad of writerly topics.

We get each other.

We commiserate over dry spells when words seem locked up tighter than a bank vault. We groan at the marketing mania required of us. We follow or subscribe to one another’s pages and websites to bolster our publisher-required social media numbers.

We’re in this together.

Paul thanked the church at Philippi for their help in spreading the gospel. He assured them God heard their names voiced in daily prayer. With thankfulness and joy. The people risked their lives to deliver the message of Jesus. This spiritual giant knew he couldn’t do it alone. These faithful followers buoyed Paul physically and spiritually.

They got each other.

Writing buddies are our helpers. Our critique partners. Our dream sharers. Our cheerleaders. And, sometimes, a shoulder to cry on when a rejection letter comes. Together these facets of our relationships project God’s message to a world desperate to hear words of hope, encouragement, and salvation.

Paul traveled from city to city delivering the gospel to whomever would listen, but specifically to home churches that supported one another in an oft-hostile environment. He promoted the fellowship and community of believers.

A large conference offers excitement and enthusiasm. But the closeness of a critique group provides benefits a large gathering can’t. The critique groups many of us attend are much like a home church or small group. The members enjoy a safe place to pitch an idea, share fears of rejection, and moments of jubilation.

Take a leap of faith and register for a conference. Greet those you meet. Exchange business cards. When you get home, locate a critique group where you’ll find kindred spirits waiting to polish words.

We’ll get you.

Father, thank you for my writer friends. My heart is full as I lift them to you with thanksgiving and joy. Amen.