Community - With a Capital "C"
What Writing in Community Means to Me
In the fall of 2023, I noticed an ad for a writing retreat that featured THE Anne Lamott! I could not believe that I would ever have such an opportunity in my lifetime, to learn directly from her, to be in her presence – even if only through a Zoom window.
For all the years that I have been dreaming, longing, and wanting to be a Writer, Anne Lamott has been one of three women who I have looked up to, and been inspired by. Their books, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, and The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron have helped me to hold on to hope.
I let the ad roll by the first time. It didn’t leave my subconscious though. The second time it popped up, I learned that THE Julia Cameron would be teaching at the same retreat. I knew then that I was going to buy a ticket and immerse myself in all things writing. That moment is vivid and distinct in my memory. I chose to leap into something for me, something to nourish and care for myself.
The retreat was hosted by A Writing Room. It was the first writing retreat I’ve attended. I had no expectations. I was simply thrilled for the opportunity. The virtual event was lively and interactive. Those of us watching from home were not deprived of the energy, support and sense of community. We mattered.
The first hurdle, for many of us, was to call ourselves Writers. A confidence building exercise for the live audience that was present in Santa Fe had individual attendees say out loud, “I’m a Writer!”
The audience responded, ever more joyously, “Yes! You are!”
Their excitement was not to be restrained or contained in Santa Fe alone, however. Those of us attending virtually quickly joined in the chat, “I am a Writer!”
“Yes! You are!”
Saying those words out loud did more than hype up the audience or increase our courage. Those words helped us to own our identities as Writers (with a capital W). It didn’t happen immediately, that was simply the beginning.
At the end of the retreat, we were invited to join the Community at A Writing Room.
Oh boy, I thought, here it is – something expensive to buy to continue being part of the Community we just experienced.
I’d always considered myself to be perfectly content as an introvert, not in need of community (with a lower-case C). I enjoy my alone time or being in the company those closest to me. I’ve always been able to motivate myself to get work done, but, oddly, not to immerse myself in my writing dream. I firmly believed I did not need community or Community.
Even though the cost was super reasonable, I hesitated. I waited. I held out until a few months later. Those months were not peaceful - my intuition urged and encouraged me to hold on to my dream. To join the Community at A Writing Room.
Being a Writer in this Community has become so life-affirming and essential to me.
After joining, for the first few months, I was too shy to turn on the camera on my computer, or unmute to speak. I participated in the chat, which continued to be lively and interactive.
Then, on a random day, I decided it was time to turn on my camera and mic. It was time to volunteer to become a Silent Writing leader. I wanted to give back to the Community, and the Writers, who had already given me so much – my identity as a Writer.
Fear fell away. Excitement filled the void.
My gratitude has grown, as I have grown in ways I had never imagined. I’ve gone from writing occasionally, to writing daily. From wishing I had an idea for a book, to having three in progress. I’ve kept my promise to myself – I have immersed myself in all things writing, including the profound practice of attending Silent Writing.
There is something so special, so profound, about Silent Writing sessions. There is this creative energy that grows exponentially as each Writer (with a capital W) joins to write, or edit, silently for an hour, in Community (with a capital C), with other Writers.
Compassion, empathy, kindness, encouragement, support, laughter, and tears that spring from the beauty of words and friendships, gather there. Momentum builds like a freight train rolling downhill gains speed. Our collective words, and hearts, are an unstoppable force for good.
There is no other space like it. To be united in the purpose of creativity with others who are doing the same, helps us hold ourselves accountable. We have a schedule. A deadline. An appointment on our calendar that we look forward to and hunger for. Our Writer friends are expecting us to show up. They are looking forward to seeing us arrive. They worry about us if we don’t.
Where else can you gather daily with a room full of Writers to do what your heart longs to do most?
Fredrik Backman wrote, “Never underestimate the power of a good story.”
And “What is a Community? It is the sum total of our choices.”
If you feel resistance rise up at the thought of being in Community, like I used to, or of fulfilling your creative dreams, name it. Name the thing that is holding you back from claiming your identity as a Writer, a Creative, a…Fill-in-the-Blank.
Know this, your words matter, your stories matter. YOU matter.
Your Community (with a capital C), of Writers (with a capital W), is waiting for you to arrive, to write, to share, to be nourished and cared about, to be encouraged and gently nudged forward on your creative journey.
Time has evaporated so quickly since the fall of 2023. I can’t believe that I’ve been in A Writing Room for nearly two years! Perhaps part of the reason it feels that way is that I am happy, I am immersed in my dream, I am writing & sharing and diving in deep for more each day.
My gratitude abounds.
Jacque, you nailed it! And you give so much to this community. I'm so glad you're here.
Sooooooooo good!