The Importance of Community as a Writer

If you’re writing a children’s book—or even just thinking about writing one—you might imagine the process as something you do quietly on your own.

A notebook, a laptop, a few quiet hours at the kitchen table.

While writing certainly includes those solitary moments, there’s something equally important that many aspiring authors overlook:

Community.

Recently, I was reminded just how powerful community truly is—not just for writers, but for anyone pursuing meaningful work.

I want to share a few reflections from a recent trip and tell you why surrounding yourself with the right people can make such a difference in your writing journey.

We’ll Cover:

• A Trip That Refilled My Creative Energy
• Why Honest Conversations Matter
• The Unexpected Joy of Meeting Authors in Person
• Why Authors Thrive in Community
• Two Ways I Encourage Community for Writers
• You Don’t Have to Write Your Book Alone
  

A Trip That Refilled My Creative Energy

A couple of weeks ago, I travelled to Florida for business meetings. While I was there, something meaningful happened that I didn’t fully expect.

I left feeling deeply encouraged.

The truth is that last year brought a number of unexpected challenges for me—both professionally and personally. Life has a way of sending curveballs, even when you’re passionate about the work you do.

At the start of this year, I noticed something unusual. That familiar fire and excitement I normally feel—especially when a new year begins—felt quieter than usual.

So this trip came at exactly the right time.

While I was in Florida, I intentionally spent time with people who have played important roles in my life and work. Those conversations reminded me of something powerful:

We all need people in our corner.

Why Honest Conversations Matter

One of the people I met with was Trish Jacobson, who leads our team at Believe and manages many of the important behind-the-scenes pieces that help that event run smoothly.

We had a meaningful conversation about where we’re heading and also reminisced about some of the wonderful moments we’ve experienced over the years.

Sometimes looking back reminds you how far you’ve come.

I also met with a dear friend of mine, Melissa Henault. Melissa and I have walked parallel paths in business for many years. Interestingly, last year was also a challenging one for her.

She’s one of those people I stay connected with regularly. We send messages, check in, and sometimes jump on quick calls when life feels full. When we sat down for dinner in Florida, we talked for almost three hours. It felt like three minutes.

We talked about the challenges of the past year, the lessons we learned, and the things we’re excited about for 2026.
By the end of the evening, we both walked away feeling something beautiful:

Renewed energy.

That’s what the right people can do. They create a space where you can be honest about the difficult days, but also celebrate the victories and keep moving forward.

The Unexpected Joy of Meeting Authors in Person

During this trip, I also did something I hadn’t done before.

I posted in my community and said: “I’m going to be in Florida. Would anyone like to meet for a late lunch?”

Three of my authors responded, and we arranged to meet.

It turned out to be one of the most special parts of the entire trip.

Listening to them talk about their books, their journeys, and the impact their stories are having on children was incredibly meaningful to me. One of the authors even invited my husband and me to join her that morning for a tour to see the manatees in West Palm Beach.

It was such a beautiful experience.

Moments like that remind me that writing children’s books isn’t just about publishing a story. It’s about people, purpose, and connection.

Why Authors Thrive in Community

Writing can sometimes feel like a solitary pursuit.

You sit with your ideas, you wrestle with words, and you try to shape a message that will resonate with children.

But here’s something I firmly believe:

You don’t have to do it alone.

When authors connect with others who share the same dream, something powerful happens.

They encourage one another. They celebrate milestones together. They share struggles openly. They remind each other that progress matters more than perfection.

Community gives you a place where you can say, “Today didn’t go the way I planned.”

And someone responds, "Tomorrow is a new page.”

That kind of encouragement matters more than many people realize.

Over the years, I’ve learned a simple but powerful principle:

Your proximity shapes your progress.

If you surround yourself with people who believe in creativity, growth, and possibility, it becomes much easier to keep moving forward. If you try to do everything alone, the journey often feels heavier than it needs to.

When you place yourself in rooms—physical or virtual—with people who share your goals, you gain something incredibly valuable: momentum.

Two Ways I Encourage Community for Writers

can connect has always been important to me.

Here are two ways I support authors in doing exactly that.

1. StoryMakers (Our Writing Community)

StoryMakers is a membership designed specifically to bring aspiring children’s book authors together.

The goal is simple:

No author should feel like they are working on their book alone.

Inside StoryMakers, authors connect with others who are actively writing and pursuing the dream of publishing their stories.
One of my favourite parts of the membership is our monthly StoryMakers Connect Call.

These calls are not about teaching—they are about connection.

Authors meet one another, share progress, celebrate wins, and encourage each other through challenges. Friendships form, support systems grow, and suddenly the writing journey feels lighter.

If you’re interested in joining StoryMakers and finding your own community of like-minded writers, you can visit the link below:

2. Believe (Our In-Person Event)

There’s also something very powerful about gathering in person.

At Believe LIVE, authors come together for a few days to immerse themselves in a community of like-minded people.
The energy in the room is something incredibly special.

People arrive with ideas and questions, and they often leave with renewed confidence and inspiration to move forward with their books.

When you step away from your daily routine and surround yourself with positive, creative people, something shifts–you begin to see new possibilities.

You can learn more about Believe and how to join us in this community at the link below. You’ll leave the event a new person, and fully ready to take active steps towards achieving your dreams.

You Don’t Have to Write Your Book Alone

If you are currently working on a children’s book—or dreaming about starting one—I want to encourage you with this simple thought:

Community matters.

• Find people who support your vision.
• Find people who understand the ups and downs of the creative process.
• Find people who celebrate your progress, even when the steps feel small.

If reaching out feels a little uncomfortable, that’s okay. I understand that feeling very well. But sometimes the most meaningful connections begin with a simple message like:

“Would you like to meet for lunch?”

You might be surprised by how much encouragement is waiting on the other side.

If you want to bring more community into your writing journey, consider trying one of these simple steps:

• Join a writing group or community of aspiring authors

• Connect with another writer who shares similar goals

• Attend a writing event or training where you can meet like-minded people

• Share your progress with someone who will encourage you

Small steps like these can create powerful momentum.

If you’re ready to take a leap, you can also check out our programs that I mentioned earlier. The StoryMakers membership is perfect for creating community from the comfort of your own home, and Believe LIVE is the perfect step to take if you want that in-person connection and growth. 

Writing a children’s book is a meaningful journey.

There will be days when the words flow easily and days when they take a little more patience.

But one thing I know for sure is this: The journey becomes much more joyful when you share it with others.

So surround yourself with people who believe in creativity, growth, and possibility.

Your story—and the children who will one day read it—are worth it.