When I think of a writing community I think of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). This little community of writers is so much more than writing.

There is Novel Track. It’s a place of accountability and support. You let the group know what your goal is at the beginning of each month. Then, as each day goes by you report in your numbers for that day. In return, you will receive positive reinforcement. Even on the days where you did nothing and tell the group you have a great big goose egg, you have individuals who will respond with positive encouragement to hopefully help spur you on in the direction of editing or writing.

There is the main critique group called Scribes. For me this group is priceless. What I learned from those individuals who took the time to look at my work and critique it is priceless. I learned more in that first month about writing than any place else. Also, almost every critique I received back did it constructively. For this group alone, the membership is so well worth it.

There is the prayer group. This is where anyone can send in a prayer request or a praise and in return you will have prayer warriors praying for you diligently.

There are the genre specific loops like romance, historical, women’s fiction, and more. Here you have a group of individuals who all write in the same genre that you do. We are there supporting each other in our journeys.

There is the main loop. What is special about this loop is that Monday through Friday you can post about anything writing related as well as writing related questions. Then on the weekends we are free to post things like advertising for our blogs, or that someone signed a publishing contract, or that someone’s book is coming out, and so much more.

The news loop is where all important information concerning ACFW is sent.

And they also have writing contests for both published and unpublished authors.

All of the above is truly fantastic and I’d never want to willing give any of it up. However, something that is infinitely more dear to me is the personal one on one relationships I’ve gained from it as a result of joining ACFW. These people are near and dear to my heart. Friendships to last a lifetime.