Finding My Tribe...

At the Broadleaf Writer's Conference

There’s an undeniable energy when a group of creatives come together! I attended my first Broadleaf Writer’s Conference this weekend, and I was in awe of the talent around me! The panelists were quick to share their knowledge and experiences, and the moderators kept the conference moving while posing relevant, and interesting questions. The board members did a fabulous job running the conference and Zach Steele, founder of this fantastic group, was available, approachable, and so helpful.

All the things I learned in just two days are invaluable to my craft, art, and life. The people I met were so open and eager to share what they have learned and where they are on their journey, as well as to offer me encouragement and… prodding. I owe finding my “tribe” to Patti Callahan Henry - she posted information about the conference on her IG, and I know of at least one other duo who was there because of her post.

I’ve met quite a few celebrities in my life, but never have I been more of a “fan-girl” as I was this weekend!! There I was going nuts on the inside seeing some of the authors whose books I’ve enjoyed, and then during the breaks, I spoke to some of them, and each one asked, “What are you writing?” I was like, “Seriously? YOU’RE asking ME? Seriously?” - and, yes! Not only were they seriously asking me, they were absolutely interested. Everyone was so wonderfully uplifting, edifying, and supportive.

Towards the end of the conference, it struck me, we were all just a group of people with stories in our hearts and heads - stories we want to write and share.

Thank you to everyone who made this past weekend possible - all those behind the scenes and up front. I will definitely see everyone next year, and some of you, before then - I hope!

I highly recommend this conference, and if you act now, tickets for next year are discounted for a limited time only. Invest in yourself - you will not be sorry you did.

Pre-sale tickets for 2026 - sale ends Sept. 30

Monica Cox, Me, and Alina Mitchell enjoyed celebrating the Broadleaf 10th Anniversary at Platez with the Conference family!

Monica Cox, a Book Coach and fellow writer, is a gem! She is someone who can help you on your writing journey. In just the short time we spent together, bonding over food and family, her desire to encourage was evident, her enthusiasm and energy got me raring to go… but even more… it got me daring to do the thing of my heart!! I even started typing the title… “Dis…”

Monica Cox

Here are books from three authors I met this weekend:

The Color of Beauty

The Nightshade - Pre-Order, Releases Oct. 14

Love in the Age of Dragons: A Novel - recipient of the Moonbeam Award