We have been meeting every summer for twenty years now. The photographs from each year show changes in hairstyles and weight gain and weight loss and of course none of us are getting any younger.
The one thing that has not changed over the years is how much we support and encourage each other. We stay in touch through the year via email and now zoom. When I first came here I had two published books under my belt. Now I have well over thirty. Other writers have gone from being unpublished to bestseller lists.
When I first went to the retreat, I wasn't sure what to expect and I didn't realize it at the time, but I really needed someone in my corner who was on my side. Writing is a tough and heartbreaking industry to work in. I am so grateful for the women of this retreat who give me a shoulder to cry on, good business advice and finally are among my biggest cheerleaders.
Yes, writing is a solo activity but you don't have to do it alone. I have found cheerleaders in other parts of my life as well. When I was a mother of young children an encouraging word from a woman who had older children or even children who were adults lifted me up and helped me hang in there as a mom. When I had cancer, the survivors who shared their stories helped me to keep going.
How about you? Do you have cheerleaders in your life? Maybe a boss or a coworker who carried you through a hard time. Or maybe there was a time in your life when you could have used a cheerleader. Let me know. And make sure you leave your email address so you will be entered to win one of my books.
I will be giving away two copies of the book of your choice even some of my older ones like Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves, the very first book I had published.
Sharon Dunn
I’m so glad that you have cheerleaders to encourage you. My children and my husband encourage me, especially after I had a stroke eight years ago. I lost my ability to read and comprehend…slowly, and with a lot of practice, the ability came back. I can’t read as fast as I once did, but I can read and enjoy books. Authors encourage me, too, by commenting and liking my book review. One author this week called me a “Book Warrior for Authors.” I am grateful and humbled by her words. Vickie Watts
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome, Vickie! Thank you for being a reader!
DeleteVickie thank you for being such a great supporter of Christian fiction. I did not realize you had had a stroke.
DeleteI have lots of cheerleaders in my life now...when I was first trying to get published, most of my family and friends thought it was a pie-in-the-sky dream. And that probably made me work harder! lol
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome to have those cheerleaders in your life! I have a good size family who are my cheerleaders. I had a very special best friend who was also my cheerleader, who passed away last October, from bone cancer. We met when I was a single mom and my son was very young. She constantly encouraged me every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteMy cheerleaders are my preachers wife, my friends Becky, Pam and Mary Frances.
ReplyDeleteMy twin sister is my biggest cheerleader. She is the person that understands and accepts me the most. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe all need that cheerleader in our corner. The "real" cheerleaders" are the ones that not only encourage you when things are going well, but also stick around during the rough times. I've been blessed to have two such cheerleaders. When my mom was recovering from cancer surgery and the onset of Alzheimer, our world changed completely. Mom moved in with us and we became full time 24/7 caregivers. These two sisters by choice were my lifeline to the real world. They each live in different states from me, but it was like they were standing beside me the whole time. I never had to fear about how I would sound if I talked my real feelings, or that they won't be there for me any time day or night if I needed a cry or a laugh and they stayed for the whole 5 year duration. They arranged with hubby for a girl's weekend meeting in the middle of where each lived. They called often and video chatted just as much. There were surprise cheer me up packages in the mailbox. Believe when I say, it's not the materialistic things, but the human value that still means the world to me. Even now after all these 9 years later, we are still just as close. I am truly blessed.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the chance to win one of your books! Shared and hoping to be one of the fortunate ones selected.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
nice view
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
I would say that my mother was a cheerleader for me.
ReplyDeletedianah7272 at gmail dot com
Love the view! I'm struggling at present as due to chronic health issues and a separation from my husband, I've lost my cheerleaders. Praying the Lord will give me new ones! Thank you for the giveaway - kheldreth@neo.rr.com@neo.rr.com
ReplyDeleteso sorry to hear this.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I can look back over my life and see so many cheerleaders, especially as a young mother of seven children. Now, with all but one of my kids grown, my children have become my cheerleaders encouraging me to pursue my dreams and hobbies. I feel it is also my role now, as an "older" woman to cheer on those young mothers whose hands are so full with raising little ones.
ReplyDeletecarrottopfromtexas2@gmail.com
My husband fell backwards on concrete 3 months ago and had a brain bleed. It’s been a tough season and my youngest granddaughter made me a beautiful drawing and she wrote on it “You are strong; you can do this.” Cheering me on as caregiver.
ReplyDeleteOops - my email is nonnie2kk@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy aunt is my cheerleader! She checks on me weekly even though she’s out of state. She also checks in on my cousin (both of are Moms have passed away). She and my uncle have started vacationing with us together in the Fall and we have so much fun! She’ll dodge you if you try to get her to talk about herself, but always asks about what we’re doing.
ReplyDeletePerrianne Askew
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
My Children and grandchildren are my biggest cheerleaders
ReplyDeleteMy hubby is my cheerleader. He knows what I need and the best timing for it <3
ReplyDeletekykla99ATgmailDOTcome