A Christian Community of Writers – What Jane Austen would have Loved

It’s well known that writing is a solitary occupation, but what isn’t well known, especially to new writers, is that it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. There exists a community of Christian writers, who far from being shy with one another, gather together to network, teach, and share.

I used to think writing was strictly a solo endeavor, but I am not Jane Austen, sitting in my Chawton cottage enjoying the solitude of my garden as I painstakingly handwrite my stories a page at a time, then hide them when someone enters the room. Rather, I longed to be part of a community of writers who share my Christian faith and my desire to improve my craft. As it says in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron” and I believed meeting and getting to know others who shared my passion could only help to make me a better writer.

Unlike Jane Austen, who seemed inclined to a natural talent and a relatively confined existence, many writers today strive to learn the basics, or to improve their existing writing skills. By sharing ideas, workshops, and experiences, including the pitfalls—they gain the tools to improve their personal best as well as helping others to do the same.”

I experienced this kind of teamwork and camaraderie in action when I attended the Northwest Christian Writers Conference in Kirkland, Washington two years ago. My friend and I attended, brand-new writers not really knowing what to expect. We walked into a lively group of believers who were also writers, published authors, editors, agents. They were there to teach, encourage, critique, share, and help each other develop a body of work that publishing houses would want. There was Christian praise, prayer, and an openhanded way of giving and loving everyone. I know God was smiling on us.

If God is calling you to write, then answer that call. Walk in faith. Be obedient. And join us at the next Northwest Christian Writers Conference, in May 2016. For more information go to nwchristianwriters.org. It’s a great way to jump start your writing. Or look for a regional writer’s conference closer to you. You can also connect with local writers, like our own “Penning on the Peninsula” group in Kitsap County, where we meet once a month. There is much to learn, but there truly is a joy in the journey.

I can imagine that Jane, if given the chance, would have loved sharing her passion with kindred souls. We have that opportunity today, to truly be connected with like minded travelers, and follow together God’s chosen path for us.