I've been blessed to have many people who God has dropped into my life during the writing process. I first became interested in novel writing by a friend and wanna-be novelist, Cindy Martinusen. Cindy is now an author of five novels, but back in 1992, she introduced me to the writing world.
During my first Mt. Hermon Writers Conference I met Robin Jones Gunn. The next year I joined with Robin and a few other wonderful authors in a private email prayer group. We're still praying together fourteen years later! Robin has been an amazing mentor to me through encouragement, advice, and sometimes a kick in the pants. Her life is also an example to me. She writes and lives with grace and truth.
Another mentor is my agent Janet Grant. I was one of Janet's first clients, and she has been an amazing cheerleader, advisor, and a rock for me to turn to. Whenever I'm struggling, Janet gives me a call, "Let's look at what's happening this way ..." and she can open my eyes to seeing with new perspective.
Finally, I can list dozens others I've met: Steve Laube, Ethel Herr, Gayle Roper, Lisa Bergren, Joanna Weaver, Brandilyn Collins, Robin Lee Hatcher, Anne de Graaf, Marlo Schalesky … and others, who God has connected me with at just the right time to speak wisdom and truth into my life.
Yes, it DOES take a community to raise a writer.
