I have officially been published for coming up to twelve years this summer, and time and time again I am asked why I think my career has been sustained over such a long time. And I say: author friends.

Author friends are absolutely invaluable to me. Writing can be a very lonely business, just based on the practicalities: I spend all day at home, writing away, with my headphones in and my focus directed at a screen.

That can get lonely.

Many authors are introverts, so this naturally sits with their preferences…but I’m an extrovert! I love people, and noise, and connection – and so my author friends are absolutely crucial to not only keeping me accountable with my writing goals, but also connected to others.

Their friendship – and it is real friendship, although I have never met most of them in person – sustains me during the difficult times, challenges me when I’m getting complacent, and celebrates alongside me during the good times.

Without them, I honestly do not think that my writing career would have risen to these heights – and I am so grateful for them.

Do you have work friends that encourage you to go further? Let me know in the comments!