There are fads and trends in publishing.

When I started it was all about the critique group. Or crit partners.

Go to any writers conference and you had people running around talking about their crit partners and having gatherings because they finally had a chance to talk face-to-face.

These days, it’s mentors.

People want a mentor.

And I can’t say I blame them.

It’s comforting to have that one special person mentor you down a precarious path like publishing.

I had advisors. People crossing my path who gave me advice.

People like Lurlene McDaniels, Davis Bunn, and Karen Ball (though she may not remember!)

Then I met Lynn Coleman who took me under her wing and helped me break in at Barbour Publishing.

Colleen Coble came along side me and helped to open doors, and cheered me on in a dynamic way. She opened the door for my first agent.

To these people I am forever grateful.

But I didn’t have a mentor-mentor.

I waded the publishing waters a long with other writers seeking a book deal.

I’m grateful to those who came along side and lent me a hand.

I think the Lord wanted me to depend only on Him.

He sent the right people my way at the right time.

I met Susie at the first ACFW conference in 2002.

We didn’t initially click. We liked each other but she had a bond with two other women in our little circle.

I was the new kid.

After a period of time, we became closer and I was one of the first lucky people to benefit from her writing coaching.

But to this day, I believe the Lord gifted me with her partnership. But if He didn’t, I’d be on the same journey.

See, it’s about Him.

I used to have this note on my desk: Lord my teacher.

He’s the one who teaches and trains us. He’s the best mentor anyone could have.

We get too hung up on accountability partners, on crit partners or mentors, to glued to the idea we need another person in our life.

Don’t get me wrong, we do. But don’t get hung up on the who but the process of working out your journey with Jesus.

One of my favorite worship leaders, Amanda Cook, writes amazing songs. Alone.

It’s popular for songwriters to work together.

My favorite song, You Make Me Brave, written by Amanda Cook. Alone.

It’s an amazing, revolutionary song.

See, God makes the best ever partner, mentor, friend and everything you need to get the job done.

Seek the Lord first.

Let Him mentor you, bring the resources to you.

It’s kind of fun to leave the burden on Him.

He’s never let me down.

He won’t let you down either.