A TRIBUTE TO FRIENDSHIP
I was lonely in my early twenties. And my mid twenties. And okay, my late twenties too. I'd moved out of state and lost contact with my high school friends then started my own family. My life was diapers and laundry puncutated with church and midnight feedings.
Kevin has always been Mr. Social, making friends where ever he goes, but opening myself to others has never been easy. Where are friends for me, Lord? I asked regularly.
Then I started writing and, one by one, my writing buddies entered my life. Mother Hen Colleen, always nurturing and protecting--whether we want her to or not. Gentle, spunky Diann whose humor that had me laughing until I cried a few nights ago (Okay, so it was late and I was a little slap-happy, but still.) Lovable, quirky Kristin who says what she thinks, unfiltered, and make us all wish we'd had the nerve to say it.
At first, our friendship was all about writing and critiquing, but before long, we were sharing more than our stories. We were sharing our lives. Now, I can't imagine mine without them. Where are friends for me, Lord? I'd asked. He stretched out his hands, nudged them into my life and said, "Here they are, beloved."
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Colleen Coble writes romantic suspense with a strong atmospheric element. A lovable animal of some kind--usually a dog--always populates her novels. She can be bribed with DeBrand mocha truffles.
Denise Hunter writes women's fiction and love stories with a strong emotional element. Her husband says he provides her with all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too.
Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate.
Cheryl Hodde writes romantic medical suspense under the pen name of Hannah Alexander, using all the input she can get from her husband, Mel, for the medical expertise. For fun she hikes and reads. Out of guilt, she rescues discarded cats. She and Mel are presently taking orders from four pampered strays.
14 Comments:
Sitting in your late night chat, I felt as though I were with friends because of Girls Write Out. You all 4 are so giving and caring and APPRECIATED. Hope you know that.
Wow that's such an awesome post! I think that this conference made me appreciate my friends more. It was especially poignant when they gathered in the prayer room to pray for me. I felt so honored.
Camy
My friends were sure there for me. I got home from conference and started working on Monday. My dad called to say my mom was sick and he needed me to help get her to the hospital. She was having a major heart attack, gang. We're lucky she survived. But my peeps gathered round. Di and D rushed right to the hospital with their sweet hubbies, and I talked to K several times and she kept me company on email a good part of the night. What would I do without you guys?
Okay, Denise, your post made me cry and it has nothing to do with hormones, just so you know.
I love your description of us. We're an assorted mix. Think dog pound. But we're happy, right? ;-) Love you girls!
Wow. I love your tribute to your friends. Isn't it just amazing what he does in HIS time and not our own?
Praying for Colleen's mom.
Beautiful post! I had intended to attend your late night chat but couldn't even make it to the conference due to sickness. I love Girls Write Out. I have to have my morning fix every morning! :)
Thanks for sharing.
Kristy
What a darling photo of the four of you. Y'all are just beautiful--inside and out. Denise, you babe, you're the prettiest drummer I ever saw. Colleen, major, major kudos on your multiple wins, must deserved. Kristin, your personality always sparkles. Even after losing your luggage, you were smiling. DiAnn, I'm so excited to see what your publisher's doing with your books.
Love to you all.
Hey girls, I loved being in your late night chat! I've been a faithful blog reader for...well, since the beginning, I guess, but after the LNC I feel as though I know you all a bit more! Thanks for sharing, both in writing and in your friendship. It's a beautiful thang!
I feel like such a guy...but hey, cool post Denise. God has brought friends to me as well when I thought I had lost everyone.
Great post. I too am married to Mr. Social, never-met-a-stranger.
I wish I could have attended the conference this year. But the book signing was great. :) Too bad I didn't see everyone glammed up for the banquet...
Praying for your mom, Colleen!
Great post, Denise! You guys do have something very special.
Colleen, praying for your Mom.
Rachel
My first visit to Girls Write Out. I met you gals at early bird and the late night blogging chat during what was my first conference. What a blast! This post looks a lot like the ones my critique partners and I have been putting on our blogs. I learned and grew as a writer at the conference but in the end, it was the laughing, crying, praying, and worshipping with my dear writing friends that made the experience one I'll treasure forever.
What a beautiful post! I feel the same way about my friends. Funny how love overrides everything else, especially the love of friends who just ACCEPT us! Blessings from heaven, that's what I think of my friendships!
ooooh totally get this. I also asked the Lord that question... and He answered in the same way. started as crit partners and now I can't imagine my life without them. I love them so much. In fact I'm sitting on one of their couches right now... only don't tell Colleen because she might hurt me since it is Robin's couch. :o)
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