Blog #18 - October 12th, 2025
By
Dan E Arndt
Posted: 2025-10-12T18:56:23Z
How Involvement Inspires Writing
When I attended Writer’s Road Trip #13, I didn’t realize how much that one event would reignite my creative momentum. Sitting in a room filled with writers at every stage of their journeys, each one eager to learn, share, and grow, reminded me why I started writing in the first place. The energy was contagious. I left that day not just with new craft techniques, but with a renewed sense of purpose and community.
Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to stay involved. I’ve attended several critique group sessions where honest feedback and encouragement helped me refine my work in ways that solitary writing never could. There’s something powerful about reading your words aloud and watching them land. Seeing what resonates, what confuses, and what moves others is a vital component to an author's journey. Each session strengthens both my stories and my confidence. I've also attended a few write-ins as well, and let me tell you that the chance to write with your fellow colleagues is a huge motivator to get words on the page.
That spark of connection has carried into my writing life, too. I’ve continued working on my debut fantasy novel, a story that has grown deeper and more vivid because of the conversations and insights shared within Pennwriters. And recently, that same inspiration led me to begin a new YA contemporary novel centered around the world of car audio competitions, a completely different creative lane that I may not have explored without the encouragement and momentum built through involvement.
When we show up, whether for a workshop, critique session, or conference, we invest in more than just our craft. We invest in ourselves, our stories, and the shared belief that words have power.
So, if you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, take that step. Attend an event. Join a group. Volunteer. You never know which moment of connection will ignite your next great idea.