I’ve found myself reading a lot of comedians’ memoirs the past few years. My picks have matched my taste in comedy, which means I’ll read anything by someone who makes me laugh. High-brow, low-brow, smart and witty, potty humor, comedians who specialize in slapstick, sketch, improv, stand-up, whatever. Their backgrounds, their techniques, their training is often wildly different, but each has found success. How? The three magic P’s, of course: practice, passion and persistence. And one more thing: Finding their crew. All the memoirs agreed: Comedians get better when they collaborate, compete, support, challenge and befriend other funny people.

The same is true of writers. Finding “your people” can help break the isolation that comes with writing. Talking shop with other writers helps hone your craft, giving you new tips and tricks to try when you get stuck. Helping other writers let you pay it forward for all the times you were coached and mentored. Sharing work with other writers builds trust and community and deepens relationships, and it makes your work a heckuva lot better.

Every time I attend a conference, retreat, book club, signing party, or even login to Twitter, I witness beautiful camaraderie and support, gentle nudges and playful teasing, tough love and an encouraging, welcoming community of fellow children’s book writers. Published or not. Bestsellers or newbies. I’m grateful for them all.

I hope you find your writing crew too.

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

P.S. I’m extra thankful to have added to my writers’ crew this year. The pictures in this post are from a retreat I attended in upstate New York earlier this month. I met an amazing group of talented, funny, passionate writers there and we were lucky enough to write, learn and critique in this inspiring setting.

© 2018 Rachel Martin. All Rights Reserved.