Creating a writing community of close friends was not one of those things I imagined in my future when I was young. And yet, it is something I’m deeply grateful for, especially in this time of midlife. Don’t get me wrong, I spent a lifetime journaling, reading, even writing a few poems. But it was always in solitude. When I signed my first book contract with Bedazzled Ink in 2016, I suddenly felt like the new kid in school. It was odd as in my long profession as a safety and health professional I felt confident and successful; a leader and mentor. In those beginnings although I was immersed in my writing, I felt left out in those circles of people who knew each other at conferences or online writing forums. Gratefully, a few folks did reach out, and I began to feel slowly admitted, nearly as if completing rites of passages; rejections, multiple drafts, acceptances and publications.

Above all that and the joy instilled in me during the act of writing, the biggest gift is sharing the power and love of writing with friends, both new and old, novices and experienced. In some cases, friends who it was not something they “started out” to do either. And that is a remarkable truth about the lives we live. In the beginning we often have no idea of what we may do, love, enjoy, pursue. In this post I honor some of these friends who too have writing and publication successes to shout about.

Earlier this week I spent a few days with my dearest and oldest best buddy, Karen. We stayed in an old lodge, hiked in the rain forest surrounding Southwest Washington’s Quinault Lodge, and workshopped our current writing. This buddy I shared earliest high school trials and tribulations with, and a dorm room in Missoula; she always a talented poet. Although we live several hours apart, we make sure to get together when we can, and writing is something we share now more than ever as we both work on our fictional writing projects. And in the lodge, two different women struck up conversations with me about their interests or current writing of their own stories; furthering my connection of community.

And as if it weren’t enough to share this time of life with someone who has known me since I was a 13, this week I connected with my friend Jeanne who I met even a year earlier. Jeanne was the person who most kindly befriended me as I entered Ainsworth Elementary during the middle of eighth grade; the year Dad lost his editor and publisher job at the LaGrande Observer. We bonded over sports and fun; she showed me the ropes when I felt naive and socially inexperienced. Flash forward all these years later, and Jeanne is recognized as a top journalist and writer, just publishing her first book. I was honored to be able to listen to her share her powerful stories at Portland’s Powell’s Books. I highly recommend this book, A Greek Tragedy by Jeanne Carstensen, as an important read. Watch the book trailer.

Oh, but I’m not done celebrating book releases by good friends! Maura and I met in 1991 or so, as we both worked as industrial hygienists and trainers for Marine and Environmental Testing, located then on Portland’s North Mississippi Avenue. We often found ourselves co-teaching a week-long class on hazardous waste safety and health, finding unique ways to tell stories and employ hands on learning to keep our often largely male and technically knowledgable “students” engaged. Maura is known locally for her talent as a storyteller. When I formed the writing group I knew I needed some six years ago, Maura was my first to invite. And over the past few months, I’ve been thrilled to promote her published memoir, She Blooms: Finding Life After the Convent. I’m grateful for our continuing relationship, one that started over stories about hazardous materials exposures and zipping folks up into level A suits with SCBAs, and now includes our close writing group with Shelly, Michael and Leigh.

If you’ve read any of my books or blogs, I’m certain you’ve picked up on my belief in the power of serendipitous human connection. Every day I seem to newly connect with someone that was only made possible because one of us made an effort to smile, say hi, or ask a question. While I am not a true extrovert, I am intrigued and curious about people. I’m not sure how long ago it was when my blog was followed by Crystal Trulove. Since then I follow her posts, and share comments and an occasional message. Imagine my thrill last month when Crystal, who blogs at Conscious Engagement, attended an in-person session I led on “The Power of Writing Story.” And as we took time after the workshop to further connect, not surprisingly, we found we had even more in common. I enjoy following Crystal’s blog, and look forward to other writing she puts forth in the future.

But, I’m not finished! Yes, let us celebrate my newer friend, Nancy Townsley! Nancy is a longtime journalist who just this month released her compelling novel, Sunshine Girl. A novel about journalism and sharing truths, particularly relevant now as we worry about first amendment rights and freedom of the press. And you can join both of us as I have the great honor to be in conversation with her at Bold Books next Saturday, May 3 at 7 pm. Bold Books is one of Portland’s newest book and coffee stores, located next door to my long ago LIncoln High. What many of us appreciate about this bookstore, in addition to great people, books and good coffee is this: “When you come in, you’ll probably notice that at least 80 percent of our book and gift stock is by and about people who are BIPOC, AAPI, disabled/differently abled, immigrants, refugees, low-SES, adoptees, or another community of people that has been underrepresented.” I hope to see you at this event and congratulations to Nancy!

During these increasingly difficult times as we feel many things we believe in are at risk of disappearing, we do need to unify, find strength, protest, and do those things that keep us going. For me, yes that includes writing! Let us celebrate this community! Although I am missing photos of many writers I value and support, here’s a few folks I’ve been grateful to be with in person recently ion this journey.

P.S. By the way, did you enjoy reading my first memoir and book My Music Man? Guess what’s coming?

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