When writing first came into focus for me, I was overwhelmed. Actually no. At first it was wonderfully simple. I had an idea, and I wrote a 90,000 word story in 9 months. Then came the idea of sharing my work.
That's when the overwhelm began, but one website, one subscribed newsletter at a time, I discovered my writing community. To help you on your journey, I have grouped the following resources into writerly crafts (editors, writing groups, coaching, podcasts, etc) below. Hovering over the writerly resources tab above will get you to resources for publishing and marketing (it is currently under construction), as well as the tab for upcoming authors (also under construction). If I have personal experience with them, I will say so.
If you are an author who is just starting out and would like your writerly focused website/Substack link etc mentioned, or if you have a question about my personal experiences with any of the resources below, please reach out. I am a homeschooling mom of 2, it might take a bit to get all the resources up.
Rebecca Pickens
I am a part of Rebecca Pickens group coaching, and have had my work edited by her. Her approach to coaching and editing is kind, and thoughtful. She is a fountain of information. Rebecca also has a writing group on Wednesday at noon.
Kate Meadows
I attend Kate Meadows writing group on Wednesday mornings. She has created a welcoming environment, and fostered a collaborative community of writers.
Andrea A. Firth
I met Andrea through Diablo Writer's Workshop, attending her and Janine's writing sessions consistently until the moved on to other things. Andrea still has a Submit It Now session where a group meets and spends an hour submitting their work. Her expertise and experience is vast, and her feedback was very helpful and thoughtful. I always left the writing session knowing more than I did before.
Heather Davis
I have attended workshops by Heather Davies, and have had my work (she specializes in Speculative Fiction) edited by her. I have learned a great deal, both through her workshop, her podcasts and her thorough edits of my work.
Beth Barany
A science and fantasy writing coach. A writer friend says she enjoyed working with her. I've enjoyed listening to her on various summits.
Janine Noel
Really my start with writing groups in the US began with Janine. I met her at the library, began a conversation and was soon invited to her writing group through Diablo Writer's Workshop. She was my first editor. Her feedback was excellent and helped re-shape my approach. She has a podcast, Bipolar She which brings "stories of those coping with their mental health into the light."
Writerly Resources
Editors, Coaches, Writing Groups, oh my!
Windy Lynn Harris
Windy is an amazing writer and storytelling coach. Her book, Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays: The Essential Guide to Getting Your Work Published (Writer’s Digest Books/Penguin Random House) is a roadmap that guides writers from idea to publication.
Gala Russ
I met Gala through a friend, and she offered helpful suggestions and advice. She helps creative writers find their way to writing and publishing their novels in a way that fits their lives.
Joey Garcia
Gabriela Pereira
I had the opportunity to attend Joey Garcia's Presence + Pitch + Platform: Develop Your Personalized Path to a Writing Career during the Writer's Conference 2026. It was a fantastic learning environment. She helped me view pitching my story from a different perspective (a much need shift).
I have yet to take a class from DIY MFA, but I always learn loads from Gabriela Pereira's summits (most recently the Writer Igniter FLOW Summit).
Daniel David Wallace
I have attended 3 of Daniel's summits, and have found them all extremely helpful. His summits really helped build momentum with my writing.
Savannah Gilbo
Very informative podcasts and newsletters. Many authors and those in the writing world reference Savannah during their talks.
Kat Caldwell
I 'met' Kat Caldwell via a summit and thoroughly enjoyed her session on podcasts.
Rhonda Douglas
Though I haven't worked with Rhonda personally, I've thoroughly enjoyed the summit she had this year.
Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
If you are on the go, and rarely have time to sit and type, you might want to learn how to dictate your novel. This is where Sara comes in.
Linnea Fleming
My kids are reluctant writer, but Linnea has brought out something I didn't think possible, a curiosity and joy in writing. My kids are part of her Teen Journal, and actually write without complaint! Yes I know most of the service providers her focus on adults, but its never to soon to build a writerly community.