by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

Most of us are thinkers. We come up with a project, decide we need assistance, and then call on friends and family for help. That’s just how we roll. Having the support of those who love us and who are willing to step into the gap to support our effort means a lot to whether we complete the project. It means a lot to our self-esteem, our desire to forge ahead, and our success. The goals may be different but the importance of those who support us doesn’t change.

Often the desire to be a writer comes with a raised brow. Many look at writing as a pipe dream. It falls into the same category as one who may desire to be a singer in Nashville or L.A. or an actor on Broadway.

“Find a job that pays, and we’ll support your plan.” Sometimes the misconception of being an artist of any genre prevents that much-needed support. Raising the understanding often comes with a price—one that stifles many writers. Because we are human, we tend to believe what our loved ones say. That’s not a bad thing, but we do need to be discretionary with what we believe. If we desired to be an attorney or contractor, folks would look differently at that decision. It’s because they can see an immediate result of the efforts put forward in these jobs. As writers, our efforts often take months, even years to show results.

This is why finding your writing peers — your “tribe,” is so important. You may hear more experienced writers refer to their tribe and wonder what they are talking about. Let me explain.

*What is a tribe?

That’s easy enough to answer. A tribe is your personal group of friends or writing peers who rally around you and your work.

*What does a tribe do?

Your tribe understands the desire to write. They understand that this is your passion and your calling. A tribe becomes your cheerleader, your prayer partners, your critique buddies, and even your shoulder to cry on.

*How do you acquire a tribe?

The best place to find a tribe is to attend a conference. Conferences open the door to friendships, but not just any friendships. When you attend a conference, you are meeting like-minded people—people who understand your passion and who “get” you and how your quirky brain works. Attend a conference. Attend two. Just attend. Begin to make friends. They will become your support system throughout your writing career. Join an in-person or online critique group. Word Weavers is wonderful for support, encouragement, and assistance in learning the craft of writing. The point is, go to the watering hole where other writers drink and nudge your way in. I have friends I made 25 years ago who I can call at any one moment for guidance, support, and assistance in a project. Go. To. A. Conference.

*What do I do with a tribe after I have one?

Well, that’s a different question but one only a quirky writer would ask. Once you find your tribe, begin to correspond, talk on the phone, and visit. Learn the craft together. Learning the craft is work and it can be frustrating but when you have a team behind you it’s easier. Call on them, be a part of them. Your tribe with walk with you through every path from writing to personal. Personal? Yes, personal. Why? Because you’re friends and friends share personal. When you have a project ready to go, your tribe will blow the horn and help you launch. Can you see the importance of a tribe?

*Your tribe will help keep you focused.

And focus is important when you work in this industry. It’s easy to get distracted with projects and even how the world around us yanks and tugs. When we face a deadline, having our mind on the project is vital. When we’re learning the craft, we need to be focused. This profession requires our full attention if we are to make our way, but isn’t that true of any path we take, doctor, lawyer, or repairman? Keeping our eye on the ball helps us, with practice and work, to hit a home run. Your tribe will be with you when your heart wanes and when you feel defeated in your writing. They’ll help pull you up and straighten your shoulders. They’ll serve on a short pity party but then set a well-placed foot in your backside when you need it. Your tribe will celebrate you in your successes.

If you haven’t already put a tribe together, there’s no time like the present. Pool together those business cards from your last conference and start to make connections. If you haven’t attended a conference before, start to make plans. There are conferences available all over the country—large and small, intimate, genre-driven, conferences are everywhere. Join one and build your tribe.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us, as well as www.inspireafire.com. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning, best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com or www.wramsforwriters.com.