In this writer’s group, I had to unlearn years of charting habits and begin to learn all over again how to write a complete sentence, then connect thoughts, then carry through a concept, etc. (There was also spelling and grammar issues, but thank goodness for spell check and grammar check.) In the group, we critique each other’s writing projects and I had to learn to take criticism and give criticism. The facilitator gave us writing challenges that pushed me and it was hard work. I learned to deal with rejection and use it to my advantage.

Last year, one of the challenges was to write a short story and send it for publication. This was my first attempt at getting something published. I cannot explain the elation when my short story was selected from thousands to be one of fifty in the “A Cup of Comfort” national bestselling series published by Adams Media. The book is called “A Cup of Comfort for Cat Lovers.”

I write all the time now. I love working on my marketing materials. I now have a CLNC^® newsletter for attorneys. Every work product that I write is an artistic endeavor for me. I never dreamed that writing would stimulate creative energy inside of me. I turned our guest home into a writer’s retreat and have met wonderful people with a multitude of writing styles.

Without the encouragement and support of my writer’s group, my marketing materials, newsletters, and work products would be less than what they are. Vickie is right. Put those ideas and thoughts on paper (even scrap paper) because one of those thoughts or ideas may lead to something great.