When I was at the Mount Hermon Writers’ Conference a week or so ago, I went to one of my all-time favorite places: The Santa Cruz Wharf. It’s one of the best places to see the sea lions, which are draped all over the pilings of the wharf, as well as swimming and playing in the water around it. A few years ago, I saw something I’d never seen before. A group of sea lions all floating together. Come to find out it was a sea lion “pod”—a formation they use during migration to present a larger profile to predators as they migrate. And this year, the pod was there again!
As I watched them floating there, leaning on each other, it made me think about the conference and why I love being among writers. So here are the lessons for writers that I learned from the pod:
The Pod keeps you connected. Being in community with other writers helps to not only hone your skills, but brings you friends who can keep you accountable. They can keep you grounded and on task. They can speak truth when you’re confused or feeling like you’ve lost your passion for the task.
The Pod supports you. Just as the sea lions rested their heads on each other, so we can find rest and support from other writers when we’re weary or beat up. Our community of writers and support and encourage us. They can rejoice with us when we receive good news, and put an arm around us when we’re down.
The Pod warns you of danger. The sea lions sounded off any time a threat approached. Likewise, being in a community of God-centered writers gives us friends who can sound the warning bell when threats arise, such as predatory publishers/agents/and so on. Remember Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Do you have a Writer’s Pod of your own? If so, terrific! If not, consider connecting with other writers through the Internet, through a local writers’ group, or just through a group of friends who all love writing. Yes, writing is a solitary occupation, but we don’t have to be alone all the time. Nor should we be. God created us for fellowship. So get out there and find your pod!
