By Jennifer Hallmark

“Friends are needed both for joy and for sorrow.”
~ Yiddish Proverb

I’m a writer and I love writing. But it’s not always easy. Sometimes I struggle with disappointment, fear, tiredness, and apathy. My friendship with other writers has kept me from changing my vocation.

I know that if I start down the “give up” road, I can call or Facebook message one of “these” friends and they’ll talk me off the ledge of quitting. They’ll share a story about a time they wanted to give up or remind me of the way I’ve grown over the years. We laugh and send emojis and before you know it, I’m ready to sit at the computer once again and start a story or blog post.

Some of my friends are authors, others are unpublished for the moment. I know editors, publishers, and agents. They get tired just like I do and I hope I can often encourage them in return.

Because we all need a little encouragement now and then. Thank you to all my writing friends. There are too many to name but you know who you are.

“If you want a friend, be a friend. “
~ English Proverb

Click to tweet: I’m a writer and I love writing. But it’s not always easy. My friendship with other writers has kept me from changing my vocation. #amwriting #friendship

Author

Jennifer Hallmark

Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction with a twist. Her website and newsletter focus on her books, love of the South, and favorite fiction. She creates stories with unforgettable characters—her stories are a little eerie and otherworldly but with a positive turn. Jessie’s Hope, her first novel, was a Selah Award nominee for First Novel. Her latest novel, Smoking Flax, will be released on January 16th, 2024. When she isn’t babysitting, gardening, or exploring the beautiful state of Alabama, you can find her at her desk penning fiction or studying the craft of writing. She also loves reading and streaming fantasy, supernatural stories, and detective fiction from the Golden Age or her favorite subject—time travel.

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5 Comments

June Foster on February 5, 2018 at 8:04 am

I’m glad to be one of your writing friends.
- Jennifer Hallmark on February 5, 2018 at 10:13 am
  
  I’m glad you are too. ☺ Thanks for all your encouragement…
Cynthia Herron on February 5, 2018 at 10:30 am

Can’t wait to read your debut, Jennifer! Go, go, go — rah, rah, rah!

Can’t wait to share a cup of coffee and something rich and chocolatey with you one day!
- Jennifer Hallmark on February 5, 2018 at 10:54 am
  
  Thanks! And me too. I’m going to a retreat in South Alabama this year in May. You oughta come 🙂
thewritesteph.com on February 6, 2018 at 8:33 am

Thanks for the authenticity, Jennifer. Go, Girl!!!