As an author, we can often feel like we are on this journey alone. We are more or less self-employed entrepreneurs who work from home. The majority of us have no office full of writing support staff we can call upon at a moment’s notice to help us out in a pinch.
In fact, many authors struggle to get those around them to take their writing seriously. Not to mention offer emotional or just general familial support or encouragement.
If you are an author, you know what I’m talking about.
It’s easy to feel isolated.
Moreover, when you need help, you don’t always know where to turn.
I mean, of course you can do a Google search, but there are a million different answers to every question. And there are a million Facebook groups for authors. However, it’s not always easy to know if the advice you’re getting is good advice.
So where does that leave you?
An Online Writing Support Group
Over a decade ago, I met Shelley Hitz online. I was volunteering for her website, FindYourTrueBeauty.com, writing devotionals for teen girls. Shelley and I have co-authored over a dozen books since then, and we’ve both learned a lot about the world of publishing.
Earlier this year, Shelley opened The Christian Book Academy and asked me to be one of the mentors in the group. And I love helping Christian authors, so of course, I said yes.
Have you heard of the Christian Book Academy? Click To TweetTo be honest, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from The Christian Book Academy at first. There was training material to help authors learn to write, publish, and market their books. Then were some videos on how to do some more technical stuff, using programs that authors might need to get their work done.
Shelley even included videos about keeping God as your foundation, forming your own prayer team, etc. There was also a members area and a Facebook group where authors could ask questions, submit prayer requests, etc. Weekly video calls, and bi-weekly productivity sessions.
Basically the Christian Book Academy had everything you would expect from a really good online academy or paid membership site and more.
But here’s what really sold me: in the Christian Book Academy, you are part of a family.
Over the past several months I have seen authors show up, not just when it benefited them, but to help and encourage one another. It didn’t matter if you were looking for feedback on a book cover or blurb, needed encouragement, or you were down with a cold and needed prayer; the authors of the Christian Book Academy were there for you.
It really is the best online writing support group I’ve come across.
Now, I’ve been working with Shelley for years and I shouldn’t have been surprised by this. Shelley has a heart for helping others and it’s contagious. She didn’t just create an environment for learning, she created a community. A place where authors could feel at home. A place where they could ask their questions, share their frustrations, reach out for help, and just belong.
So if you’re a Christian author who is looking for a writing support group, I highly encourage you to check out the Christian Book Academy.
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