My Writing Partner

This year, I want to focus on the riches, or blessings, in our lives. In my opinion, our greatest blessings are our friends and family. A person is truly rich if they're surrounded by people who love them.

I couldn't pursue my writing career without my family and friends. I have a husband who believes in me, family members who encourage me, friends who inspire me, a church who equips me, a community who embraces me, and children who love me unconditionally.

Within each of those groups, there are individual people who touch me and minister to me in unique ways. From those closest to me who know the intimate details of my daily life, to those on the outer rings, who simply know me by name and face, they each play a significant role in my support network.

I thought it would be fun to highlight some of these people from time to time on my blog. They have no idea I'm going to write about them, but I hope through my words they know how much they mean to me.

This week, I've been especially blessed by a writer friend I met a few years ago. She's an amazing woman I have the pleasure of calling a friend. She, along with Melissa Tagg and Lindsay Harrel, have become a lifeline for me. Ironically, in our day to day lives, Alena and I would have probably never met in this big, wide world. She lives in Texas, and I in Minnesota. But through our shared love of writing, we were introduced at ACFW by Melissa.

Alena and I at the 2014 ACFW Conference

Alena Tauriainen is who I want to be like. She has a heart like no other. I love her gentleness, wisdom, and positive perspective. She's truly a servant at heart, and loves to bless people with her time and energy. As a mom, she's the type everyone wants to have. She offers her children discipline and grace, and sprinkles in a lot of laughter and fun. As a wife, I admire the way she loves and respects her husband, and speaks so highly of him.

Alena is the retreat coordinator for My Book Therapy. She takes care of everyone and does it with so much love, you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If you've ever been to one of the retreats she hosts, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Alena and I became writing craft partners a few months after we met. Besides critiquing each others writing, we've agreed to keep each other accountable to follow through with our writing goals. But more than that, we're here for each other to encourage and offer support. It's amazing what one email, text, or phone call can do to brighten my day. When I receive writing-related news (both good and bad), Alena is one of the first people I tell. Even though she's in Texas, I know I have someone who understands what I'm going through.

I've learned a very valuable lesson on this writing journey. I'm not meant to walk it alone. God has brought amazing people to help me down this path. Alena is one of them.

I can't wait to tell you about the others. :)

Your Turn: Who has blessed you this week?

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Speaking of great writer friends, this Wednesday I'll be welcoming author Lisa Jordan to my blog! Stop back to learn more about Lisa and enter to win a copy of her newest release, Lakeside Redemption.

Deep Thinkers Retreat 2013

I titled this post Deep Thinkers 2013, because I hope there's a Deep Thinkers 2014, 2015, 2016... I've been warned that many people who attend become repeat offenders. :)

This picture may not prove that we're deep thinkers, but
I assure you we are. :)

My heart is so full right now. Full of writing, full of friendship and full of hope. As a writer seeking publication, I can't think of a better place to learn about the craft of writing and I can't think of any other teachers I'd rather study under. Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck and Beth Vogt are masterminds in this industry.

Susan, Me & Rachel

If you haven't read their stories, I'd encourage you to change that now!

Me, Beth & Lindsay

One thing I was looking forward to the most was connecting with my new craft partner, Alena. We met in person at the ACFW Conference in Dallas last fall, and then again at the Storycrafter's Retreat in Minnesota, but we were looking forward to rooming together at Deep Thinkers to get to know one another better and to work out a plan and schedule for our partnership.

 

Me & Alena

Alena is an incredible mom, writer and friend. She and I both have four children and I know that I will learn so much from her - not only about writing, but also about parenting. She'll be visiting me in June (along with Melissa Tagg and Lindsay Harrel) and I can't wait to spend more time together!

I was also really excited to reconnect with some other good writing friends. I've now been to ACFW, Storycrafter's and Deep Thinkers with Lindsay Harrel. She's so much fun! I feel blessed to have her, and Jeanne (and so many others!) in my life.

Lindsay, Me & Jeanne

We spent five days learning from the best and I can't wait to put all the knowledge to work in my novels.



But some of the best moments from Deep Thinkers 2013 were the laughs. When you put twenty-one writers together in one house, there will be some great storytelling going on!

Me, Bethany & Jeanne

What about you? Have you been to a writing retreat before? What is your fondest memory?