Find Your Tribe

Since returning from a phenomenal weekend at the Historical Novel Society's bi-annual conference, I wanted to blog on a particular subject that has become near and dear to my heart. 

Find your tribe.

It doesn't matter what your occupation might be. It doesn't matter your interest. The importance of finding and mingling among like-minded people is tantamount to your advancement. In his book on life-empowerment, Alaric Hutchinson writes, "On the road to success, there is always room to share appreciation and gratitude for other people’s successes." (from: Living Peace: Essential Teachings for Enriching Life).

Perhaps it's different for other occupations, and I won't attempt to presume to know. But among writers, it is simply NECESSARY to have an open, honest camaraderie. We need people to read our work--preferably other writers. There are times when we may need a blurb or review to help us along, driving our work forward into the limelight. Upon other occasions, merely conversing, sharing, and crying on one another's shoulders is a healthy release amid the stress of deadlines, edits, and the process of publication.

For me, the Historical Novel Society has introduced me to a wealth of people who are varying degrees of--ME! We share dreams, successes, and if there's a failure, we commiserate with one another. This week, I had several precious, memorable days with my other "selves," laughing, discussing our work, and celebrating craft. For me, I was able to revel in just BEING an author--accepting praise for my work, selling it, signing, it, and (hopefully) inspiring writers who haven't reached that point quite yet but are striving to do so.

This past March, shortly after the launch of Son of Rome, I beta-read a book for a friend who was in the process of seeking representation for her work. I found myself looking FORWARD to returning home from work to get back to her novel, and I was totally immersed in it. After finishing the read, I thought, "Wow. This really might be her ticket. She may win an agent with this one."

Well, this week she did. After receiving not one or two, but FIVE offers from highly respected agents, my friend Sarah made the choice that was the "right fit" for her. I was ECSTATIC! Somebody I KNEW, who had read MY WORK, was getting the chance of a lifetime. And I had grown enough myself to have RECOGNIZED the spark in her work that made it happen. And how did all this transpire for both me and for her? 

​Friends, we had found our tribe. Now, go out there and find YOURS.

(above) With key-note speaker and bestselling author, Jeff Shaara, who wrote the epic GODS AND GENERALS, which was eventually made into a movie.

(right) With my editor-extraordinaire, Jenny Quinlan who has given me the fire to finish my trilogy and begin future projects.