We had a great full manuscript critique session tonight at writing group, and afterwards it struck me how we have come together as a group.  I feel like our group has evolved into like a "team in training", only we're not running a marathon, we're working on novels (well some of us are working on novels, and others, like me, are just working on getting past the next page, to say nothing of having a complete work to finish).

It's so encouraging to see someone else finish his or her manuscript.  I mean really finish it before my eyes.  I was there when he read the first chapter to us, and I'm reading the completed draft now.  Wow, there is no inspiration like watching someone else accomplish what I aspire to do. 

And there is solace in hearing other people hit their first bump in the road, struggle through the middle, re-think their entire story (phew, it's not just me, I'm not defective, I don't completely and utterly suck).

Having the creative energy of the group gives me the fortitude to keep writing when it seems like the words are all dried up.  Just like with training buddies, there are days when I'm writing less for me and more out of obligation to the group.  If everyone else can put in the time, then I'll do my part, even if I'd rather be watching a Friends marathon on TV.  Sometimes, someone will scribble a little note in the margin, "I can't wait to find out what happens next."  And that's enough to get me over to the next word, the next page, the next chapter.

Until each one of us crosses our own finish line.  Even though we are doing it one by one, it feels like we are all crossing that line together.