I have always loved to write. I’m glad technology has finally caught up with my passions. Ha. Blogging has been around for quite some time, yet I am finally getting around to making my own.

Story time with Kayla:

When I was about 11 I had the opportunity to join a Writers’ Club. The group consisted of more than a dozen adults who had taken a creative writing class together at the local community college. What started as a mandatory assignment to write as a group had become well bonded friends looking to support one another in their various writing styles. A close family friend knew of my passion for writing, and invited me to come join this band of unlikely companions ranging in age from 33 to 78. It was utterly fascinating to learn from these people. If my mother had known the genre some of the authors were writing in, she may have been less excited for me to join them. However, what she didn’t know at the time didn’t hurt her. Every month we would gather at a different member’s home. Throughout the month each person would work on their latest project or two. During the gathering several of the authors would read a section of their work for discussion, criticism, and input from other members. Sometimes they would discuss the latest publishing conference or workshop they had attended. Some in the group even had a few short stories published along the way. I was a part of the cohort for three years. It was a blessing.

Looking back on the experience, highlights a few things for me: 1) my parents are very trusting, 2) my parents encouraged my hobbies, 3) my parents saw the need in my young life for me to be around people who were different demographically yet shared a similar passion. As a parent I hope I can encourage my child to develop relationships and mentors who share her passions. People who speak life into her dreams, help her grow emotionally, academically, and in life experience.