Hats Off to the Value of Positive Peers

I was lucky enough to attend my first Positively Powered Authors gathering the day before my first appointment with Amy, my book coach. At the time, I remember thinking I had no place being there. I hadn’t written anything yet and I wasn’t even sure I had what it would take to see writing a book through to the end. As it turned out, going to that authors’ gathering was a key part of my success in writing the book that I’d been holding in my head for ten years.

As soon as I arrived, members approached me and welcomed me to the group.  They asked about my book, the status of my process, and shared very comforting stories of their own journeys and struggles with their writing. They were a happy bunch, and since they had “been there, done that,” they were eager to encourage me as I began writing and putting my dream on paper.

As I started writing and attending the monthly gatherings, I found what valuable resources were in that space every month. There were people at every stage of writing and publishing. We shared experiences, resources, advice, and encouragement on a regular and very generous basis. I truly believe that both my writing and I have benefited from the support and knowledge of our group. I believe this so much that I gave the group a nod in the acknowledgments section of my book! It was a heartfelt and sincere salute to the value of having a group of peers that truly understands your passion and want you to succeed as much as you yourself want that success.

I am honored to say that many of my fellow writers from the Positively Powered Authors group attended my book launch party to cheer me on and celebrate this amazing milestone in my life.  It meant the world to me to see them there.

Guest article – by Jodie Hopkins, Author of Journey for One: A Guide to Gaining the Courage and Skills to Travel Solo