For those of us who craft with words, you may be on your own, without a writer family to support you. Because even though your spouse loves you and puts up with the craziness of this world, they can’t understand why you haven’t finished that book yet.

It’s taken me a couple weeks to think about what to write about. Today after writers’ group, I had lunch with one of my fellow writers. It’s always great to let your hair down and enjoy being you – even if it’s only for an hour. Don’t worry, the words will beckon soon enough.

What this fellow writer observed today, is as the group expands, this still feels like a family. We are many colors and backgrounds, have multiple points of view, but of one writers’ heart.

There are those of us who are sage, others quick with a comment and all of us have a great sense of humor.

Today we heard and read the first words of a new member. We are rapt with his story. Within his pages he has pulled us into his struggle, his experiences. Like all the characters in stories written by the rest of us, we are vested in them. We yearn for them to succeed, to get their comeuppance, to learn. live, laugh and love like the rest of us. Because they feel quite real. That’s a compliment to my family of writers.

I guess that’s why I also see ourselves as the ever expanding family – yes our crazy aunt is still one of us, and the almost-goth girl joins us to remind us of our youthful days. We have  cynics, artists and teachers, the levelheaded and of course, the dreamers.

What makes us most like a family is the honesty and support. Whether it’s a shitty first draft (guilty!) or a challenging chapter, there are always words of encouragement, suggestions you could never see for yourself without their help (duh!). Each of us has a difficult day with the words, but we are ready to pick each other up and ignite a new creative spark.

This is true with my other group – yes I belong to two. In this case, we are sisters. Still a family unit of sorts, we are also invested in the outcomes, the growth of the protagonist and antagonist and the road they are leading us on. There is nothing better when we can gather for a weekend of writing and wine. We are there for each other, just like my blood sisters are. They keep me focused.

To my writer families, I am ever thankful for letting me find my way there, into your open arms.

There’s no place like Home.