With A Little Help From My Friends

This past Wednesday, at the Madison Street Books Writer’s Group, I got to watch a group of writers share work with each other for the first time. Everyone was a little nervous, a little funny, a little brilliant. It felt like such a privilege to be privy to the moment– creatives being both vulnerable and positive. They were so quick to point out each other’s strengths. Everybody left with renewed energy and urgency– let’s get to more writing!

This has been the theme, I think, of my last few weeks. I’ve been able to reconnect with writers I love– hear about the new plan, the new book, the new way they’re going to tackle their life so that the writing fits better. I have phone chats with a good friend who inspires me towards structure every time I talk to her. I had a facetime chat with a friend last week where I made dinner and my kids only got into one squabble, but I hung up with renewed vigor. Another friend checked in after reading my post last month: Did you make a writing space? Send me a picture!

And the books! Getting to read and watch things is such a joy, and I can barely stop myself from calling or texting someone when I do.

Sometimes I forget that writing is connection. Connection isn’t an afterthought to the process. I think when my kids went to school I thought, I’ll finally be alone– it never occurred to me that alone isn’t really the way I’ve ever written or wanted to write. Yes, I need space and time to work. Sure! But other people’s projects help me understand my project, in fact, you might even say other people help me understand myself.

Consider this your sign to reach out to a writing friend! Whatever that looks like. I can’t recommend it enough.

Reading Recommendations:

James by Percival Everett - I am so happy I read this book. It’s a retelling of the story Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, James in the book. I’ve dipped into the Twain a few times but never finished it– extensive knowledge of the source material is not necessary to following the story. I was blown away by the end of it, how well it works on every level, and in every moment bringing new insight and interest and wisdom.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa was such a charming read. A young woman ends up working for her eccentric uncle at a used book store– ends up trying to understand what is going on between her uncle and her aunt. It’s sweet without being too sugary.

Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire - This play is so good. It’s the kind of story where all the setup is done by slight of hand, so that by the time it ends you’re like, wait how did they do that? It’s heartbreaking and gorgeous and incredibly quick to read.

Craft: Stories I Wrote For The Devil by Ananda Lima - What an absolute blast. This collection is connected by the writer of the collection. Each individual story is fantastic on it’s own, but the through line really makes the book unique. I loved it.

Here’s a song about friends:

Hope you can connect with a writer friend this week– or even an online friend or a reader friend! Cheers!