WANA–A Nursery for Stars

Image via Flickr Commons and contributed by The Smithsonian.

Image via Flickr Commons and contributed by The Smithsonian.

Yesterday, a minister commented on my post and said something that made me really think, “Sometimes even the ministers need ministering.” My purpose with my blogs and teachings have always been to serve writers holistically. We are humans with dreams, wants, needs, crises, and people depending on us. Writers need more than a craft class, Facebook lessons or a better way to write a query letter.

Often, when we decide to become writers, those closest to us can become our biggest dream-stealers. I know when I left sales to become a writer, it was ugly. I might as well have told my family that I was moving to New Mexico to worship aliens who’d whisk me away on a comet if I wore a gray track suit and Nikes.

The aliens never showed up, btw. Total…flakes. *rolls eyes*

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People have often made the joke about the Church of WANA, yet in ways, it is. I’ve made it my mission for the past five years to serve writers as human beings. I educate about craft, and all of my social media teachings are centered around love, service and focusing on building community. I offer no fancy tools or algorithmic alchemy, just a simple formula. Love each other. Be who you are. Be storytellers. Be there.

That’s it.

I wanted writers to know they weren’t alone. Much of our job is grueling, solitary and even mocked. If we aren’t J.K. Rowling, we aren’t “real” writers and our “job” is viewed as a silly hobby (as if J.K. Rowling began as a mega-author *grumbles*). It can be very easy to give up if one is alone…which is WHY I created WANA (which stands for We Are Not Alone).

When I began my journey to become an author, I was very lonely. Had it not been for my mom, I know I would have given up. She allowed me to live with her on the condition I worked and did everything I could to reach my dream. We had many close to us tell her that she was “enabling me” and that no thirty-year-old should be living at home with Mom.

Image Courtesy of Jenny Kaczorowski WANA Commons

Image Courtesy of Jenny Kaczorowski WANA Commons

I needed to stop being a fool and a leech go get a “real job.” One of our church elders informed me I had a better chance of being hit with lightning than becoming a published author and that I needed to be an adult and pursue a “real” career (He was a stockbroker, and we no longer attend that church).

Anyway, after what he said to me, I fell apart and polished the resume. I contacted my former boss to see if he would give me a recommendation, that I was giving up writing and going to find something in sales.

He refused. He’d read my writing and told me he would not support me giving up on my dream.

TWO people. Two people made the difference.

Thus, years later when I discovered blogging and social media, I wanted to pay that precious gift forward. I knew what it was like trudging through craft books that were garbage or outdated. It was a nightmare trying to find solid guidance on craft. I also knew social media would be a game-changer, that it would be the key to empowering authors.

In 2007, I witnessed literary agents being downright cruel to new authors. Some even refused to accept pitches or openly mocked query letters as if the poor writer who’d written it wasn’t human. I received rejection letters with my name misspelled or even the wrong title of the book. So I was supposed to do every little last detail perfectly but it was OKAY to not even offer the human decency to spell MY name properly?

Right.

I vowed I would change this. Writers didn’t deserve to be the least and the last. Baby writers needed guidance and nurturing and YES…even protection. We needed a family when we couldn’t rely on our own. We needed support—professionally, spiritually and emotionally.

Then came WANA.

I wish it was wholly my idea, but it coalesced from a small group of people who started to care for one another. I took note and began building on that. Writers didn’t have to go this hard road alone. We are here. Need a beta reader? Are you sick and need a guest blog? Need advice for cover design? Need a good template for how to write a synopsis?

Need a friend because it’s two in the morning and you’re sitting with a loved one in the hospital? Suffered a loss? Feel like giving up? Doubting your dream? Questioning your sanity for even daring to try?

Just speak out in the darkness and a WANA will answer.

We won’t let you quit.

WANAs at Huntington Beach...

WANAs at Huntington Beach…

We have been there to help writers on deadlines and offer guest posts. One writer was broad-sided by a truck. She expected her platform to be gone when she finally got home. Nope. WANAs were there. WANA has supported the birth of babies and even been there to cheer on the brave ones fighting cancer, yet still writing.

Susie Lindau, the bravest WANA of all...

Susie Lindau, the bravest WANA of all…

It’s funny how I’ve spent so long being there for the WANAs, yet the tables so recently turned. I wanted to give in and give up. I was absolutely wrecked. I’d fallen and couldn’t get up…until countless digital hands reached from around the world to hold me, to prop me up and let me know that I was NOT ALONE.

So I thank you. I’m on my way back and you guys are the light that guides me. Thank you for ministering the minister :D. I love what I do. I love to believe there are baby writers who are now full-grown authors because WANA was there protecting them, loving them, nurturing them, and supporting them. I love the people WANA has brought together, because I might never have been so blessed to know you any other way.

WANA isn’t just some hashtag to blast promotions or a gimmicky group to cross-promote. It’s a nebula; a light in the dark…a nursery for stars ;).

Thank you for shining so bright.

What are your thoughts? Has writing been lonely? Have you had a WANA there to help you up? Have you been discouraged, overwhelmed? Do you struggle with family or friends who make fun of your dream? Meet us on Twitter at #MyWANA and we can chat and offer you a digital hug.

I LOVE hearing from you!

To prove it and show my love, for the month of November, everyone who leaves a comment I will put your name in a hat. If you comment and link back to my blog on your blog, you get your name in the hat twice. What do you win? The unvarnished truth from yours truly. I will pick a winner once a month and it will be a critique of the first 20 pages of your novelor your query letter, or your synopsis (5 pages or less).

Also, for all your author brand and social media needs, I hope you will check out my new best-selling book Rise of the Machines—Human Authors in a Digital World.

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  1. ‘nursery of stars’ – I love that 🙂 and I love love love that I found you guys xxx

  2. I have been reading your latest book Rise of Machines–Human Authors in a Digital World. As far as I am concerned, you deserve every GOOD thing that comes your way. Thank you so much for writing this book. It is exactly what I have been looking for! The information you provide is worth a hundred times what the book cost me! Thank you so much!

  3. What a beautiful post. Sorry for the silly question, but what is WANA and where do I join? In the land of writers I am a newborn, lol.

    1. You can find us on Facebook on our page or on Twitter at #MyWANA. Just jump in! The more the weirder…um, merrier :D.

      1. Thank you! I followed you on twitter.

        1. I’ve joined in a bit on this idea but I haven’t seen much in terms of real relationships and community out on Twitter or Facebook around WANA. I think it is simply very difficult to get truly “in” with what is primarily a group of friends that is already well established. I am certainly interested in banding together with other authors. I see a lot of people doing good things and achieving a lot when groups of friends support one another. Maybe it will simply take years for some of the new people find their groups. It will be easier for those who aren’t geographically isolated, technology or not. I am new too and geographically isolated. While I have been able to get my feet under me more or less alone, I would be much happier not alone. My friends (who mostly just don’t happen to be fellow writers) could tell you that I’m a good one to have at your back. Still I don’t spend hours a day on social media, given writing, family, work and so on. I am there some and I prioritize the real connections between people that build a supportive community. I hope to know more writers who are serious about this WANA idea better.

    • Lisanne Cooper on November 15, 2013 at 4:06 pm
    • Reply

    This post really spoke to me, Kristen. Thank you. I wasn’t sure just what WANA was, so I looked it up. Sounds like just what I need, so I signed up. Looking forward to connecting with some wonderful writers.

  4. Wow, Kristen, wow. Two amazing posts, one after another.

    Thank you!

  5. the helpers need help too. you are amazing. just feel better!

  6. Thank you. Eloquent and inspiring!

  7. ((HUGS)) I don’t always respond, but I do read every post. You have been a huge inspiration, and more importantly, the WANA message really made a difference to me. I know now I’m doing things the “right” way by just being me, just like you preach. (I have that unicorn mask, btw. LOL ThinkGeek.com) I am a rabid believer in the “church” of WANA and I pimp your book and blog to every newbie who ever asks me for marketing advice. I love that I don’t need to be some fancy-schmancy fake person. I can be me, friend people, and and be real. (Frankly, the WANA way is a crap-ton easier and less work than what some “experts” preach.)

    Thank you for all you do, and remember that for every person who speaks up and thanks you, there are a BAZOODLE of us out there nodding and fist-pumping right along with you, even if we don’t say so at the time.

    Please don’t ever stop what you’re doing. You do make a difference.

  8. Great stuff, Kristen (and it looks like I’m the only guy here! *G*) Anyway, your words really struck home. For various reasons, all my published Christian novels have died a slow, painful death, and lately I’m wondering if this whole thing hasn’t been one massive mistake. Good to know I’m not alone!

  9. Fabulous post. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

  10. Some of the most rock-solid contacts I’ve made since staring toward my dream have come through WANA. For that alone, I appreciate your efforts. You’ve really brought together some great people. Not everyone clicks with everyone else, but at least we have a chance to come together and “mingle” to see who’s a good fit. Please let me know if there’s some way I can give back.

  11. What a beautiful post. You are indeed a very special lady.

  12. Hi Kristen!
    I’m not on Facebook or Twitter, but reading your posts (and the community of comments) definitely helps me feel Not Alone as I chip away at the ‘silent years’.
    Thanks for everything – and definitely don’t give up!

  13. This is such a great post. The quote from your minister is appalling. I’m writing a post for Sunday about the Dream-smashers and Crazymakers who try to sabotage our careers. I’ll link to this post.

    • Melissa Lewicki on November 15, 2013 at 5:20 pm
    • Reply

    Great post, thank you. I’m really lucky. I have the WANA community’s support AND I have my family’s undivided support. Well…except for one cranky aunt. I guess she would qualify as a Dream Smasher. I just ignore her.

  14. Great post, Kristen. You’re the example of ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. You’re both strong and triumphant.

  15. I’m sure everyone gets overwhelmed sometimes and I’ve certainly been there. I’ve been lucky to have a lot of support though, from family, friends, and fellow writers. I think I’m also fairly good at stepping away from those who are shin kickers, and that helps too.

  16. Great article. I agree, Susie Lindau is wonderful.

  17. Funny you mentioned aliens – a couple of weeks back I joined a facebook group called WANA – we are not alone, and that’s what it turned out to be about! left group on discovering my error

    • Jeannine on November 15, 2013 at 6:25 pm
    • Reply

    You give so much with every word you write, Kristen. I’m glad you’re getting some of that caring back when you needed it.

  18. oh my! this is my favorite blog post ever! I AM THE MINISTER!!!!!!! i just came from the wake of a 46 yr old bride i married to her h school sweetheart a little over a year ago. I KNOW the right words for death and i have words for this but they are not enough. All we could do was cry and laugh and love. that’s what her husband said to me. SOrry i do not follow punctuation and grammar on my vents…… i m a gentle venter. ! I HOPE! SO thanks for referring to me in your recent blog Kristen. I have been saying it all week. The minister needs ministering…… my daughter is awesome at loving me, asking me how i am, how it went, etc. I Never will take her for granted! WHen i think of what this woman’s parents, 20 yr old son and husband are going thru, it makes us remember all the little things that bother us are nothing. HEre’s the most AMAZING comment spoken to me at the wake: Grieving her, missing Cindy is almost selfish because it’s NOTHING Compared to the battle she fought this last year in cancer treatment. I THOUGHT that was fabulous and asked him if i could steal it and use it when I serve funerals and life celebrations.WE KNOW We can be happy for her peace now, but the world is a sadder place without her. Our peace can only come from knowing she is no longer suffering. I HoPE some of these words can comfort you Kristen in your grief and all the rest of us too. Not everyone dies to cancer, of course. Not everyone struggles. SOme die peacefully in their sleep. ANOTHER HUGE REVELATION I had this past year while officiating memorials: WE MISS them of course, but i wonder if they miss us?? AND that’s why they visit us? What do you think???? Discuss and share! LOL

  19. ps…. i haven’t sent anything out that i have written. These posts are NOT an indication of how i write. I have many books in me and i have a heart condition and keep thinking i will write MORE when i am unable to keep up my schedule. once i cleared my mondays for writing. and every week, i swear, every week by the time i cleared off my desk and working space, made the coffee and sat down it was time to make dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL humbling as i know many moms who write novels in t he middle of the night, wee hours of the morning, etc. I am a single mom of 3 adopted kids, after fostering 31 (hence the book!) , taught piano / voice lessons for 40 yrs and been a minister for 15 ( Crossing over/ transitioning, doing it all for many years!) HENCE THE HEART CONDITION! so here i am living a very fullfilling life, my twins are 17 and my oldest boy 20 and i am NOT DONE YET! LOL so perhaps this sharing with you will cause me to set aside some writing time. I have notes written all over the house for THE BOOK(S) . : foster care/ adoption as a single, ill mom. MInistry as a free lance minister with no one to answer to except GOD, and perhaps the one where we meditated and separately and came up w/ the same past life scenario, knowing we had an attraction in this lifetime but not why til we meditated. WOW that was poignant. i think that one might be ready to send………… i would love to hear what subjects others are writing about!
    please forgive typos. i am pretty emotional right now. wound up if you will.

  20. You make such a difference, and never moreso than when you share your humanness and struggles. I’m a baby writer, and I know God directed me to your blog and WANA for support and direction. While I’m no poster child for WANA involvement, I know what I’ve gleaned and intend to keep going because I have been made to believe it matters. Ongoing prayers for you and your family. Thanks for all you do.

  21. Thank you. This blog post had me crying in all the right “one with the universe” ways. Thank you for being you and sharing that you.

  22. You’ve been very kind and extended your hand to others, so I’m glad they’ve turned and done the same for you.

    • Joanna Aislinn on November 15, 2013 at 9:20 pm
    • Reply

    I bookmarked this one, Kristen. Thanx.

  23. I read this post with interest and stirring. To answer the questions you put forward: Writing for me has been lonely even though I have been in communication with a few writers, but mostly distant. I have not had a WANA there to help me. Discouraged and overwhelmed are common for me, both right now. I can’t say anyone makes fun of my dream, I do have a few among my family and friends who believe in me – more than I do, which may be the problem. Even so, I think it may be good to connect with WANA.
    Thanks for this excellent post.

  24. This was inspiring. Thank you. I can’t imagine that there are too many jobs lonelier than writing. Most of the time that’s fine, but occasionally there comes that difficult day, that day when you’re already tired, you complete a painful scene, and you’re alone. So, you end up huddled in the shower balling until it passes. Yeah, some days are like that. Yet I love this more than anything.

  25. There’s alone, and then there’s alone. A person can go about life for a good many years thinking they’ve seen and experienced just about everything. Then, whammo, hang on, because you ain’t seen nothing yet!

    So there I was, minding my own business, family, job, 46 years old, writing, and in good health… or so I thought. I’ll spare the details, but six months ago I was diagnosed with colon cancer and have been doing the chemo thing ever since. It’s like losing every other week in terms of anything resembling normal. The point is, having cancer is one of those things that can really isolate a person, even with family and friends and faith and support. At night, staring at the ceiling after the lights go out and playing what-if… now that’s alone. The crucible of crisis, the hammering on the anvil, the knight whose armor is no longer shining because it’s just had the crap beaten out of it places the kitten on the four-lane, if you know what I mean.

    The challenge in these times is just to keep moving forward, never mind writing. But wait, writing is something I like to do and even though no one seems to care overly-much one way or another, as long as I keep my real job, there is something about it that means I need to keep going. And in the meantime, I still get the occasional pizza money on my e-books.

    I look at writing, or even the will to keep writing (and will without result is like diddly without the squat), as a form of therapy, as proof that, in the words of one famous movie, “I’m not dead yet.” So, maybe what I’m saying is that to keep writing in the face of extreme isolation and wanting to give up is evidence of something greater and that this whole writing thing is a little more important than just another hobby or something I think I want to do.

  26. Kristen: I love the galaxy image! I am still reading your book 9the chapter on facebook) and enjoying it. Your WANA creation is great! I just started reading your blogs, and think you are awesome!

  27. Kristen, MyWANA is just fantastic – a totally awesome thing you’ve created for writers. Writers are NOT alone – and you’ve given us all a way forward – together, worldwide. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Thank you so much for your generosity and selflessness in pushing it through. All kudos to you.

  28. Love, love this post and page! Love WANA. As a new author about to publish my first book, it has been a long and very lonely journey for me, I can relate to everything said. It is hard when there is no support system, nobody to run your thoughts over with or the people you live with to even understand what I am doing. Thanks for sharing this, I will look for WANA! 🙂

  29. Kristen, you are amazing. I don’t remember how I found you, but I know that if I hadn’t I wouldn’t be a published author today. I wouldn’t have had the courage to even try and the thought of self promotion was way above my abilities to even think about. You and your books have been my inspiration. I’m half way through your new book Rise of the Machines Human Authors in a Digital World and it has inspired me anew to keep improving and to just be who I am. I don’t know if my book will ever go viral or even sell moderately, but I know it won’t because I didn’t have great advice. Thank you!

  30. Thank you Kristen. What a beautiful post. I love reading your blog. It’s helped me in more ways than you can imagine.

    1. I am learning so much from all these posts on this blog! THANK YOU ALL!

  31. Kristen–Do you read these comments? What you do makes a real difference! As for me, your craft posts helped me more than any other book or tutorial. They are concise and on topic and easy to implement. But, girl, they are also HUMAN. They make me laugh, for heaven’s sake. I can’t thank you enough for WANA. You are the perfect Jedi.

  32. Yes, loneliness and self-doubt are likely the “Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum” of a new writer’s life. Regarding “literary agents being downright cruel to new authors,” I find it fun on occasion to revisit the interesting responses received through the years (yes, I keep them, sort of like Stephen King’s “nail on the wall” from his early years), that ranged from Dear Occupant” to a mimeograph slip of paper with “No Thanks.” I have a wonderful agent now who believes in me, we’re still raking the oyster beds for that pearl, but onward we write. If your intent, Kristen, was to inspire and encourage through WANA, you’ve succeeded to rock star status, adored by those who follow you regularly.

  33. Don’t ever doubt that what you have accomplished is absolutely amazing. I’m googly-eyed when I think about how much I’ve learned from the courses and conferences in the last year and a half. Mostly, I’m grateful for the incredible community of people and all the friends I’ve made (and even met in person).

    We joke about being in Hotel California, but the WANA1012 class likes it there. We are not alone, and you aren’t either! Mwah!

  34. Kristen, This makes me realize how grateful I am for a husband who supports my writing. I am going to tell him (again) today how much that means to me!

  35. Long story short: I wouldn’t still be writing today if not for the support of other writers. WANA has been a godsend. I’ve received encouragement, information (by the way, GOOD information–WANAs have a reputation for not throwing out stupid stuff willy-nilly), and prodding when I needed it. Not to mention all of the laughter…oh, the laughter! Thanks for being one of the best connectors ever.

  36. I love that WANA is a wonderful community of writers of any genre and welcomes anyone from any part of the world. I live Down Under (Australia) and feel connected to you and the rest of this wonderful community of writers. I know I can reach out and a fellow WANA will be there. Thanks Kristen for the beautiful post.

  37. My dear old 90 year old mama no longer asks why I bother with “all that writing.” I’m published several times over, and now the comment is, “You could write a real book if you were willing to make the effort.” If it weren’t for writin’ buddies I would have allowed that thinking to part me from what I enjoy most and find the most meaning in…. Some well meaning soul probably told Jesus to get a day job, too. Thank you, Kristen, for WANA, and for being yourself.

  38. WANA is totally a lifesaver. Whenever I’ve put something really vulnerable out on the web, it ends up being some of my most commented content because the WANAs are there RIGHT AWAY! And I consider so many of them, whether I’ve met them or not, some of my closest friends. We send care packages and notes of encouragement, we’ve become critique partners, we have writing sprints, we’re cheerleaders, sounding boards, a support group, friends, we’re family. Thank you Kristen for providing that! And I’m glad we could be that for you too in tough times.

  39. I love your posts and have been following for quite awhile. I am ready to get more involved in WANA and hope to make some great friends here.

  40. This could not have been more timely. It’s November. My sister suggested that earning money might be more important than writing. The days are short. The dream feels shredded. Thanks for the encouragement.

  41. I just wanted to drop you and note and let you know that your words moved me to tears today, mostly because I was about to give up on my NaNo manuscript. I am not suffering from a lack of support from friends and family….they have all been wonderful and very encouraging…BUT NONE OF THEM WRITE. They ask me how I’m doing and when I try to tell them how hard it is and how nervous I am and how scared that no one will relate to the stories that I am trying to tell…they just give me a little pat on the back and tell me, “You can do it!” Thank you for validating how difficult this process is….it meant the world to me to know that I am not scared AND alone! 🙂

  42. hi!,
    I was planning on starting with a clever riff on “procrastination”, but I procrastinated too long and lost the thought.

    >Writing is a Solitary effort; who said that you have to do it alone?<

    My nacient WordPress blog, has one entry, it is my link to your WP
    http://syzygyn.com/wordpress/?p=4
    I hope that the person who stumbles upon my blog by accident clicks through to the real inspiration.

    1. We are all scared. I know there are times I absolutely hate every single word I write on my NaNo novel. But you know what? I still love my characters. And abandoning the novel would mean giving up on them. Somehow that makes me feel even worse than the words I put on paper. So I push on. I want to tell their story, even if it’s told badly at first.

      So don’t give up. No matter what. Just keep going. Who knows, when you reread your manuscript come December, you might find that it’s not so bad after all.

  43. Love your post! It is so hard to ‘choose’ to write, follow your dream, when you really should be out there at a ‘real job’. Yay for all the support!

  44. I am awed and amazed at your compassion, accuracy and total grasp of the struggle writers face as they try to maintain their dignity and hold onto their hopes and dreams of success at what they love to do the most. All that you said is true-and more. I never expected to write my novel and have it picked up by the first editor I submitted to. Or the second, third or twentieth for that matter. I had heard all the truths about publishing. What I wasn’t ready for was the broken system for writers as far as traditional publishing avenues. No one wants to accept new authors and yet you cant become “known” without being published, you dot every i and cross all the t’s, format your work ten different ways for ten different companies, and some of the rejections cone back so quickly you doubt your work was ever even cracked open. Or there are the pseudo traditional companies that end up making an offer if only you pay for nearly everything and they have a big guarantee of sales.and I cant even face the e book route yet. I have never been a hawker, salesman or promoter and that process seems never ending. It isn’t about doing real work. It is about the “game” of publishing. That is why I gave up and began to publish my novel on my blog, a chapter at a time because I truly would like someone to read it. It is a good story and has a message that I want to share. I only minimally considered income from sales. Writers really want to leave an imprint, make a difference, and share their expression. Thank you for caring and showing it. All the best to you with this project and your own personal gaols.

  45. Hi Kristen,
    You are quite the inspiration! I stumbled upon your blog a year or so ago and later followed you on FB. My story is a long and winding one. Bottom line I’m finally nearly done with the first draft of my novel after, ahem, 10 years of starting and stopping. Your info and more so your spirit have continually nudged me forward when I felt like giving up. So don’t you dare quit! I’m on target to have this dang draft done by the end of the month! Finally! So thanks for all those nudges and nuggets if wisdom that helped me keep my writing dream alive! Hope to meet you one day and chat it up, toss back a few or both! Press on mama you’re fab!

  46. Thanks so much for being such an encouragement in my life of writing, Kristen!! I do have friends and family and of course my boyfriend supporting me, but sometimes… sometimes it’s good to hear the voice of wisdom and professionality too – between the squeaks of a mother telling me that my writing is a downright waste of time. 🙁
    That’s why again I say thank you!!

  47. Just hit the ‘like’ button, but wish there was a ‘love’ button.

  48. It is amazing how digital support can be so much more real and consoling sometimes than that from live bodies around you. Luckily, I have a handful of friends that have always supported me unconditionally. That has meant the world to me. However, they are not writers. Sometimes, it takes a writer to understand the real ups and downs this career of words can take. And, sometimes, you have to go online to find that. myWANA is a brillant idea.

  49. This post brought a little tear to my eye 🙂

  50. Finished my blog entry for the week and this topic fit nicely with my thoughts on living your passion. See link to your blog post at PASSION: LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO LIVE WITHOUT IT, http://wp.me/p38f9n-2H. Thanks, Kristen.

  51. Swwweeeettttt! 🙂

  52. Awesome! Good for you for paying it forward, and good for the people who stuck by you. Loved the pictures with the flower pot!

  53. WOW. What a wonderful world! Now I feel like I don’t even know where to start. But somehow it seems if I dig in, there is a supporting hand within this blog.I’ll quietly soak it all in. thanks

    1. Come join us! We get pudding if we behave…which means we NEVER get pudding *hangs head*

  54. TERRIFIC POST, KRISTEN! Today is the day that your email message ‘Are We Really Thankful’ really touched me and had me turn to this post at your link WANA COMMUNITY.

    Feeling very much alone in my writing, Kristen. Have published a book, write reviews and articles on two Blogs, started a Facebook Page, and developed 3,000+ followers at Twitter over the years.

    How can I feel alone? I will read more of your posts and see how I can improve my direction. Thanks.

    Charlotte M. Liebel / @Sharliebel

  55. I’m very late to the party – I’ve been a lurker for quite some time (years), but would now love to partake in the feast that is #MyWANA. You’ll see me on Twitter soon. Thanks for your terrific posts and your honesty and openness in sharing valued information. I hope to be a more active participant.

    • Janette on January 3, 2014 at 4:32 am
    • Reply

    I am so happy to have found this blog and your story about bullying. Bullying in the workplace is out of control! I’m a victim of it and it destroyed my career and sense of well-being. Finding your link on FB has given me back my hope–thank you!

  56. What a cool mission and a cool site. I even saw another man here. Loved your story. I’m a new author and evn though the book is pretty much done, I feel like I’m at the beginning of this process. Gonna join the email list.

  57. My writing coach recently told me that my writing was my art and may not include payment when I asked her about my becoming a published author some day. Wasn’t quite sure how to assimilate that into my dream of becoming a published author one day; MyWANA almost sounds too good to be true; a universe where people actually support each other to reach their dreams of becoming authors.

  1. […] WANA–A Nursery for Stars. […]

  2. […] So, after twenty years of practicing law, I decided to take back my passion for stories by combining my love of reading and my talent with a pen into a new career writing romantic fiction. Needless to say, not everyone understood. Writing can often be a challenging and isolated career move. Others frequently belittle this desire to create by putting words on the page or they think you’re crazy for abandoning a “real job” for such pie in the sky notions. Kristen Lamb writes poignantly about these dream-stealers in her post WANA-A Nursery for Stars. […]

  3. […] Support for writers. […]

  4. […] I’m immensely grateful you guys give to freely to me. I’m WAY thankful for my amazing WANA community. You guys are the bright spot to each and every day in my world and the world around you. It is […]

  5. […] to un-see. Focus on those who love you. Join our WANA Community (WANA stands for We Are Not Alone, information here). We are a great refuge and support system. You can join us on Twitter at#MyWANA, on Facebook or […]

  6. […] to un-see. Focus on those who love you. Join our WANA Community (WANA stands for We Are Not Alone, information here). We are a great refuge and support system. You can join us on Twitter at#MyWANA, on Facebook or […]

  7. […] I’m immensely grateful you guys give to freely to me. I’m WAY thankful for my amazing WANA community. You guys are the bright spot to each and every day in my world and the world around you. It is […]

  8. […] Thus, I’m immensely grateful you guys give to freely to me. I’m WAY thankful for my amazing WANA community. You guys are the bright spot to each and every day in my world and the world around you. It is […]

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