30 Comments
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Bethny Ricks's avatar

This was a lovely read. And how amazing to be in a space like this. Wow.

Jenn Schultz's avatar

It was an incredible gift to spend time with you and all of our mutual people. I felt so buoyed in this crazy sea of chaotic times and life lifeing and publishing and perimenopause 😂 Convinced our festival household is the best ever.

Sarah K. Butterfield's avatar

Count me in on the matching shirts!! And a resounding Amen to all you said here!

Liz Daye's avatar

For sure!!!!

Alisha Roth's avatar

So grateful for authentic friendships in this faith writing space as well. You are an incredible cheerleader and person of welcome, and I’m so thankful that we got to spend time together again this year!!

Liz Daye's avatar

Love youuuuuuuu

LarkTheoSis's avatar

New job on Monday!! Hooray!! I love all of this so much <3 Maybe I'll see you there one day when I get closer to my seminary end date too :)

Liz Daye's avatar

We WILL figure out a time to come together in person! 😂🫶

Kate Boyd's avatar

Emotional support co-author checking in and saying thank you for being a safe person for me too. ❤️😘

Liz Daye's avatar

Always 🫶

Halley Kim's avatar

Liz this was beautiful! I attended FFW this year like you in 2024 (agented and aspiring). Networking gives me the ick, and it was so nice to be in a space that is clearly all about making FRIENDS. Also big hugs re: your husbands job search—I really, really get it. So glad he got a job!

Liz Daye's avatar

Thank you for the kind words! I’m sad we didn’t get to connect this time but I’m sure our paths will cross at some point and I’ll get to give you a big hug! Cheering you on 🫶

Halley Kim's avatar

Yay! Cant wait 🥰

Camden Morgante's avatar

Love this! Love you and all your quirks!

Liz Daye's avatar

Love you too friend! Looking forward to beach time together 🫶

Tabitha McDuffee's avatar

Absolutely second this experience at FFW. I love how it’s a space that fills writers up. The only point I would gently push back on is that I do think there can be space for paying for associations that support writers, especially ones like Redbud Writers Guild that are focused on investing in writers of color who face a much steeper uphill climb in these publishing streets.

Liz Daye's avatar

For sure. I have only heard wonderful things about Redbud— you’re right. I’m so glad there are spaces like this.

It’s a good reminder that not every paid writing group is predatory, overpromising, or reinforcing a parasocial celebrity culture.

And I recognize that my strong feelings are tied to my own narrative history and experiences.

But yes.

Tabitha McDuffee's avatar

I’ve experienced the negative types of these groups, too, so I totally get it!

Lore Wilbert's avatar

I love all this!

Sharon D. Green's avatar

This is an amazing and inspiring read.

Liz Daye's avatar

Thank you!

Maggie Wills's avatar

I feel nervous about my own writing (and often avoid doing it - another enneagram 9 here haha). But your posts about the writing process give me a great nudge to keep going. Appreciate you!

Jake Doberenz's avatar

Eating up all this! I hope to pitch a traditionally published this year. I believe in my idea, not real imposter syndrome if I’m the right guy to say it (or gave the platform).

I have definitely been using my podcast to practice good literary citizenship. Love hyping up new authors on there. You know you have a spot on there when it gets close to release date!

Liz Daye's avatar

Thank you, friend! Cheering you on! 🫶

Sarah Howley's avatar

You’ve put to words what I have felt for some time now. I need to consider what ways we can champion each other because I love that! Congrats to your husband!

Angie Molina's avatar

And sometimes you come face-to-face with your grader!!! 🥰

Liz Daye's avatar

Still bullying you to switch to a ThM btw 😘. So glad I got to hug you in person. Don’t be a stranger!

Stephanie J Thompson's avatar

You express well what the "secret sauce" is in the Festival. I was coming into it again from an emotionally exhausting previous few days. I wasn't sure I had the bandwidth to be present. But I created my own refuge spaces and relished the relationships in the writing community. And met you in the midst! So glad for that encounter and your husband finding a job!