So, even though I was nervous, and even though I had things to do at home, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and attended my first Virginia Romance Writers meeting. 

Of course, I had a lovely time. 

Everyone welcomed the other new people and me and proceeded to talk about the goals of the chapter, and changes in the industry. We all went out to lunch, and even though I couldn't stay for the afternoon session, there was a guest speaker. I hope I'm able to go every month from here on out. 

Last week, I talked about the power of finding your tribe, and while I've connected with some great people online, there is something to be sitting face to face. All of the people I spoke with at length have families, and careers that require their attention, but they still make time for romance writing.  Some were agented, and others were self-published. There was also a number who have finished manuscripts and are in the revision stages like me. 

I think this is just what I've needed. My day job is back in full force, and my toddler has a runny nose, and a stomach bug I'm hoping doesn't turn into more. I've been battling imposter syndrome mixed with a double dose of mom guilt, creating a cocktail of why bother wasting my time. 

But, I'm relentless, and I'm in too deep. When I put myself out there with this website and blog, I made myself accountable and doomed myself to people asking, "Hey, how's that book thing going?" for the foreseeable future. My inside over-achiever refuses to let me quit, while my feelings of imposter syndrome and mom guilt push back every time I sit down at my desk. In short, I'm getting squeezed from all sides, and the only way out is forward.

Sitting across my new friend Tamra Lassiter, and saying all of this to her felt cleansing, in large part because she's a working mom and accomplished romance author who gets it. Seeing someone else with the same struggles nodding sagely, while reassuring me I'm not crazy smoothed over my anxiety like a healing balm. 

I highly suggest everyone check out her website, which you can find here. I know I'm looking forward to reading her Role of Fate series. One of the best things you can do for authors is read their books and write reviews. If you can't afford to purchase a book, making a request that your library carry those books can also go a long way. If the author publishes ebooks, most libraries have a relationship with Overdrive, an app that lets you borrow ebooks for free. Recently, Overdrive launched a new app called, Libby, by Overdrive where you can read ebooks for free. Hoopla is another service that does the same thing. 

Everyone needs to find their tribe and build a community around them. Just because we can do it alone, doesn't mean that is the best way. 

Onward!
Kathryn