Writers Need Community Too!
Hey friends! Today I’m changing things up a bit.
I’m working on a project that the Lord has laid heavily on my heart. And I’m VERY excited about it!
However, as most of you know, beginning a new project often means scaling back on others.
Don’t worry. I’m not closing the #destinationInspiration linkup, but I AM making a few changes during the month of May. Partly because I need my attention and focus to be elsewhere for a time, and partly because I felt it was time for a change!
The Reason Behind the Change
When I first began hosting this weekly link-up, my intention was to provide a space where, together, we can build a solid community, form a sisterhood, cultivate relationships, and grow a healthy support-base for the christian writer.
Although, I have enjoyed providing a space here for others to share their writing, I’m not confident that it is producing what I had intended.
Thus, I’ve been praying and brainstorming ways that I can help to foster this kind of community among writers that I believe is so important. Therefor, here is some of what you can expect to see in the future.
Less of Me – More of You!
This space, (at least for a time), will be used to help celebrate each of the beautiful women that linkup here.
Part of my conundrum of the weekly feature is that I never wanted it to feel like a writing contest. Meaning, whoever wrote the most inspiring piece was automatically featured here the following week.
Rather, I wanted to create a place to celebrate, support & nurture each writer that frequents this space, because each one is SO important! I truly believe that!
As my husband so eloquently put it, (granted he was referring to his hunting podcasts that he so enjoys), each one of us has a story to tell.
- Not only those who have successfully published a book.
- Not only those who have a large social media following.
- Not only those who have been blogging for years, and thus have done their time, and “earned” their way.
No. ALL OF US have a story worth telling! And all of us deserve to have our stories heard.
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you’ll know that a phrase I often like to quote is #bettertogether.
Why? Because that is what we are! Even Jesus surrounded Himself with a close group of friends.
He didn’t have to. He IS Jesus after all. But I believe He was modeling for us a better way to do life- together.
Heck, if it’s good enough for Jesus, it ought to be good enough for me!
Doing a New Thing
Starting this week, I would like to invite you to participate in a NEW kind of linkup!
Instead of choosing a weekly feature based upon the post shared, I would like to feature any writer who feels that they could benefit from some extra love & support from your fellow blogging sisters.
If this is YOU, then please let me know in the comments below, by typing the phrase, I’M IN!
By doing so, you are agreeing to receiving an email from me, with a short questionnaire included. This questionnaire will be all about YOU. It will include a series of questions that will help us get to know you better.
I will plan to feature your post, along with any social media platforms you include, and a short description of who you are, what you love, and why you do what you do.
Sound like fun? I hope so, because I- for one– am REALLY excited about it!
So, what say YOU? Will you join me in helping to create a sisterhood among friends?
Don’t forget to comment, I’M IN, below!
Here’s an example of what this will look like:
Meet Rachel!
Rachel is the author of Be Thee Inspired, where she writes about faith, family, marriage, and anything else that inspires her and those around her, to live more like Christ.
Rachel lives in WA state, is married to her best friend of nearly 23 years, and has 8 children.
She began her blogging journey in September of 2017.
In her own words-
“I have always felt called to write. Even from a very young age, I dreamed of writing a book. That dream has not dissipated, but has only grown with time. I can’t imagine trying to sit down and write a book with the crazy schedule my very large family brings to the table, but I have found blogging to be a happy medium, for the time being. I’m not entirely sure what my future holds, but alas God is not done with me yet!”
Five Faves
Food- Pasta! Especially fettuccine!
Movie/Show- Dan in Real Life, is a family favorite. I love Steve Carrel!
Pastime- Ha! What pastime?? 😉 I love to read, write (duh), and spend time with family. Whether around the table, while camping, or during the holidays- it’s always time well spent, when family’s involved!
Book- How to choose just one?! I’m a raging fan of Ann Voskamp! She speaks my language! I also enjoy Jen Hatmaker’s humor, and Brene Brown’s empowering messages.
Quote- “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with GREAT love.” ~Mother Theresa
Fun Fact
When I was young, I used to dream of becoming a heart surgeon, marrying Richard Grieco (21 Jumpstreet), and living on a small prairie with a darling farmhouse and a white picket fence. Ha!
Prayer Prompt
“I could use some prayer regarding a project that I am currently working on- direction, clarity, and more opportunity to write! Also, I’d appreciate prayer regarding my efforts to become GDPR compliant! Anyone else?” 😉
Connect with Rachel
Rachel can be found on the following social media platforms- her favorite being Instagram!
If you haven’t already, you can connect with her here!
Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook
Featured Blog Post
Dear Friend Who Needs Help Tearing Down Those Walls
A few weeks ago I received a phone call from a dear friend of mine.
It was early in the morning, which led me to think that there might be something wrong.
There was.
My friend calmly stated that she had been praying for me that morning, and felt it impressed upon her heart to call.
She explained that she had detected some distance and disconnect in our relationship, and wanted to get to the bottom of it so that we could resume our friendship as usual.
She wasn’t sure when it started or how it began, but she was desperate to clear the air, if in fact there was something that she had done to cause it.
I thanked her for her concern and assured her that there was nothing that she had done to hurt or offend me.
And I meant it.
Both relieved, we casually continued our conversation as usual, and we made plans to reconnect soon.
That was the end of it.
Except that it wasn’t… {to finish reading, visit the page here.}
We are doing a NEW THING over at #destinationInspiration LinkUp! Come join us, and find out what all the hype is about!! #christianbloggers #faithwriters #linkup #bloghop #buildingcommunity #sisterhood Share on X
Let’s Link Arms by Linking Up!
- LinkUp 1-2 inspiring, family friendly posts, using the Inlinkz tool below.
- Visit the link directly in front of you to leave an encouraging comment, and pin/share their post.
- Don’t forget to connect with this week’s featured writer, by following at least 1 of their platforms!
What a fun idea, Rachel. You’ve featured me before, and I was honored. I’m in, but I’m fine with others going first if they haven’t been featured here before. Blessings to you!
Yes, I plan to first spotlight feature those who have not been featured here before. Thanks for your understanding Sarah! 🙂
But I have no problem featuring you again, if we circle back around. I’m a fan of yours! 🙂
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I’m IN
I’m in!
And I love this idea! It’s always great to learn more about our fellow bloggers!
I agree, Michele! There’s so much more we can learn about one another, and FROM one another!! Glad you’re in, friend! 😉
I’m in! I think this is a great idea! I was told by bloggers that link ups were a great way to build community, but I’m struggling to get more than just a few people visiting my site from the handful of link ups I’m a part of. But I have to admit, I’m also bad about visiting just one or two links per link up, so I think this new way of linking up will be great!
Emily, you’re not the only one! When I first began linking up with other bloggers, I had great success! But lately, it’s been a bit challenging. I’ve heard this from several others, as well. I’m not sure why the change? Perhaps we’re too busy, or too consumed with our own blog to give our attention to others, idk. But my heart is to cultivate community, so we’ll give this a shot! 🙂
I’m in! laurensparks.net
I’m in!!! 🙋🏾♀️
I’m In!
I’m in.
I’m in! This is my first time visiting your site and love this idea! I’d love to pick your brain as well. I have been wanting to set up a community board (different than yours) but am a new blogger and totally intimidated/not sure what I’m doing!
Welcome Kelsey!! So glad you’re here! While I’m not an expert on these matters, I’d be happy to help in whatever way I can. What kind of community board are you speaking of?
Thanks for the invitation! I’m in. Looking forward to making some new friends!
Me too Kelly! Glad you’re here!! 🙂
So lovely, Rachel! I’m in! But no need for me to be featured right away. The struggle for me is not being able to reciprocate and read/share all the great posts from others. Not enough time in the day! But I like the idea of building community for writers. Thanks for starting this!
Ah, that is the conundrum, isn’t it? Sometimes I wonder why God didn’t give us more hours in the day! But then I think, we would kill ourselves! Lol
One thing to know is that it’s not necessary for you to read/share EVERY post. Goodness! That would take FOREVER!! Just the one before yours, (and the featured post).
Glad you’re on board, friend! 🙂
I’m in! What a great idea and I really like this, that was my heart to do the linkup on Thursday’s at my place as well… but it just isn’t what I had hoped. I really, really like the idea of getting to know more about each person. Brilliant idea Rachel! PS… I live in WA too (about an hour south of Seattle) … I think we mentioned this before, but maybe sometime we can connect face to face….
Debbie, I don’t think I did know that about you! Wow. I thought I was the only Washingtonian! 🙂 Which city are you in?
I’m In!
Thanks for doing this Rachel, what a great idea!
Barb Camp
castingyourcare.org
Thanks Barb! I’m excited about it, and hoping it works out like I hoped! 🙂
I’m in. What a fabulous idea! Thanks for offering this! Blessings to you as you bless others!
Thanks Liz! It’s my pleasure!! Glad you’re in! 🙂
I’m in. I’ve posted for Mother’s Day, with a link to a poem also. So many of many of my link ups have either quit or are on hold doing something else. Gracefull Tuesday is new with Ronja. I do post everyday.
Great Rebecca! Lots of changes happening. All good things! 🙂
Hi Rachel,
I’m new here, I have shared “Mama Guilt” & “Home sweet home”
I think you’re new idea is great! I am only on pinterest & not other social media platforms does that exclude me from taking part in the feature aspect?
You’re most welcome to drop by for a cup of inspiration anytime!
Jennifer
Welcome Jennifer!! Glad to connect with you! Of course that doesn’t exclude you! The social media links are optional, not required. I look forward to visiting you at your place very soon! 🙂
love your heart of hospitably – i’m in when you have a free space – how great. and i love fetticine far too much and often (cabanara tonight w/ bacon) – and i’ll pray for your needed space to write. And God is never done with us. Tho I feel done,often. (:
Ooh Sue, I LOVE carbonara too!! Mmm… Thanks for the prayers, friend! 🙂
Wonderful and encouraging idea! I love it!! I’m in!
Hooray!! Thanks Deb. 😉
What a great idea! Hope you have a Happy Mother’s Day!
I love this idea Rachel! Count me in!
I’m in. Looking forward to seeing what you have planned. I am new to your link-up. So glad I found you.
Thank you for linking up your post with Grace & Truth. It is how I discovered your website.
Just found your site through Kelly Balarie’s linkup. I’m totally in! Thank you, Rachel, for what you are doing here to support other writers. It’s encouraging just to know this is happening!
I am so glad that I stumbled upon you today! Blessed to be your neighbor over at Porch Stories today!
I missed the linkup, but I am in!
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