The Beauty and Blessings of a Writing Community

by Katie Martin

I remember one of the first times I attended the Southern Christian Writers Conference: I was walking through a hallway in the Tuscaloosa First Baptist Church, toward the fellowship hall, and I was immediately struck by the feeling of family. Of community. There was a sense of encouragement and fellowship that just flowed throughout the conference. And what a wonderful gift that was!

Writing conferences and communities offer us many blessings, and I would like to reflect on four special gifts that the Lord provides us through these communities.

The Gift of Fellowship

Christian writing communities are unique because we share common goals and common ideals for our writing. Our shared purpose and goals are rooted in our Christian faith and spirit—in our love for the

Lord and our commitment to His purpose in our lives. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all thy ways acknowledge [the Lord], and He shall direct thy paths” (KJV). As Christian writers, we have committed ourselves to the Lord and share a common fellowship as the Lord directs our lives and our writing journeys.

The Gift of Friendship

Friendships with fellow writers provide a joyful sense of togetherness. Writing is a predominantly solitary endeavor, with much of our writing being produced in our private creative spaces—yet supportive communities help us balance our internal creativity with external inspiration, ideas, and support. It is an incredible gift to have people who believe in us, pray for us, give us honest (yet supportive) critiques, and eagerly anticipate our written work. (Plus, writers are just fun people to be around!)

The Gift of Fruitfulness

Writing communities also foster fruitfulness in our work. Opportunities such as conferences and workshops give us connections with fellow writers, editors, publishers, and readers—people who are rooting for us and our writing. Fruitfulness is a blessing we both give and receive. Through workshops, critique groups, brainstorming sessions, writing challenges, and collaborative projects, we grow alongside fellow writers and enjoy the fruitfulness of our writing journey together. 

The Gift of Faithfulness

Christian writing communities encourage our faithfulness—both in writing and in spirit—like no other writing group can. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (KJV). Indeed, Christian writing communities sharpen us: they refine our skills and craft by offering instruction, inspiration, and accountability, and they sharpen our faith by offering encouragement, prayer, reminders, and guidance. What a blessing!

Flourishing in Your Writing Community

Writing communities offer us many wonderful gifts, and here are five ways that you can enjoy some of these blessings this week.

• Pray for your writing community.

• Reach out to two writing friends and ask how you can pray for them.

• Read a book by a local author. (Bonus: Write and post a review for them!)

• Participate in a writing competition or writing challenge.

• Schedule to attend a workshop or conference this year.

I am so thankful for the vibrant community in the Southern Christian Writers Conference. Its blessings of connection, fellowship, and fruitfulness have impacted me and many others, and it continues to offer encouragement in writing, publishing, and faith. I hope you will join us in Birmingham in June—and that you will walk through the doors and be struck by that same feeling of family. Of community. Of home.

May the Lord bless you on your writing journey!

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Katie Martin is a professional writer, editor, and designer from Birmingham, Alabama. She earned her Master of Technical and Professional Communication from Auburn University and is working on her debut collection of microfiction, to be published in April 2023. You can find her online at katiemartinbooks.com.