Seven Reasons Writers Need an Encourager

 

By Diana Leagh Matthews

 

Last month, a dear friend passed on to glory. Her passing is a great loss to the Christian writing community, especially among those who knew and loved her in the Southeast. Tribute after tribute poured in on Facebook, each one highlighting what an encourager she was.

It made me reflect on what she meant in my own life— and why every writer needs an encourager walking alongside them.

 

1.     Writing is lonely. The writing life is deeply isolating. We need fellow writers who will lift us up, offer honest feedback, and nudge us beyond our comfort zones.

2.     Writing is often misunderstood. Many of our family and friends (especially those outside of the writing life) don’t fully understand the time, dedication, and sacrifice required to build a writing career. We need someone who understands the journey and can walk beside us, cheering us on.  

3.     We face constant discouragement. Rejections, delays, and setbacks are part of the process. An encourager helps us keep going when the path feels long and uncertain. 

4.     Sometimes we need a gentle push. Whether it’s attending a conference, meeting with an agent, entering a contest, or reaching out to another writer friend, an encourager helps us take those brave next steps.

5.     Perspective is essential. There are days when the words won’t come, and doubt creeps in. In those moments, we need someone who will listen, help us process, and remind us why we started.

6.     Small wins matter. Before the big milestones come countless small victories—finishing a scene, completing a draft, showing up on hard days. My friend celebrated those moments with so many writers, reminding them that progress is worth honoring.

7.     Truth spoken in love. A true encourager doesn’t just affirm—they speak truth with grace. They help us see when something isn’t working, when we need to refocus, or when it's time to press through the noise of too many ideas.

Every writer needs someone like this—someone who walks alongside them with encouragement, honesty, and care.

Dee Dee Parker finished well and left behind a legacy of encouragement and love. In her absence, there are many writers still longing for someone to come alongside them in that same way.

If you have been encouraged in your own writing life, the question becomes: How can you encourage another writer?

 

 Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

 

Diana Leagh Matthews weaves together the past, present, and future in her novels to help women find hope and redemption through their pain. She is the author of Carol of the Rooms and Forever Changed. Leagh (pronounced Lee) lives in upstate South Carolina with her spunky Maltese, Bentley.