When talking about people who have helped me through the years, three names can't be ignored: Wendy Russo, Ethan Stone, and Heidi Cullinan. Wendy and I have known each other since we were kids growing up in Wyoming, and she's been a huge help and source of support over the years. Ethan and I met back before either of us was published, in about 2008 or 2009, and I can only hope I've helped him as much as he's helped me. I'm still in touch with Wendy and Ethan, although there is always a bit of ebb and flow to our relationships (which I think is normal and natural).

Heidi and I met in 2010 when I randomly volunteered to drive to Iowa and share a booth at Des Moines Pride. After one weekend together, we began talking every single day, usually multiple times per day. Heidi was my rock for several years. But, shit happens. It's not anybody's fault. I always pictured our paths as arrows. We started in different places and were headed in different directions. It just so happened that we crossed somewhere in the middle, for a brief time. It was probably inevitable that we'd eventually grow apart. Still, I have to admit, I miss having that kind of writing partner in my life — somebody I can bounce ideas off of and commiserate with. I kind of wish I knew how to find that kind of relationship again, which is partly what led me to IWSG.

All that being said, my isolation is largely my own fault. I'm not the same person I was back then. I was a lot more open and trusting and naive about the writing world in general. These days, to call me jaded would be a massive understatement. But I am doing my best to have faith in the universe. I (try to) believe that it delivers what we need, when we need it. Eventually, I feel sure another writing partner will come into my life at a time when both of us needs it most.