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OK, take it away, Marylee!
Friendship is one of the most powerful forces in our lives. It’s the connection that helps us navigate the ups and downs, the good days and the bad.
In my writing, friendship plays a central role, shaping not only the stories I tell but also the characters who live them. It started with Riley in my first time I broke from the more technical side of writing about gardening. I call it creative nonfiction.
When I sit down to write my novels, I find myself drawn to exploring the ways in which friends support, challenge, and uplift one another. These relationships, with all their complexities and nuances, are what make the stories feel real and relatable.
As said Elif Shark wrote in “Writer’s Writer vs Reader’s Writer,”
“When I am writing a story my imaginary world becomes my ‘reality’. I stay in there as long as I can. As deep as I can. Fictional characters become beloved companions.”
I can’t agree more. As a teen, I immersed myself in the land and characters of the books I read. We all have most likely done the same. Books are our escape. Remember when you’ve read a story that takes place in winter and you shiver even though you’re in the heat of summer?
I realize the joy and escape I experience now as writer is the same I experience as a reader. And, I truly love my characters and their stories.
In my novels, I focus on women who are at different stages in their lives, each facing their own unique challenges. Whether it’s starting over after a major life change, rediscovering a forgotten passion, or simply trying to find joy in the everyday, these women are often unsure of what comes next. This is where friendship comes in. The bonds they share with their friends become a source of strength, giving them the courage to face their fears and take that next step forward.
One of the things I love most about writing these friendships is the chance to explore how they evolve over time. Just like in real life, the friendships in my stories aren’t always smooth sailing. There are disagreements, misunderstandings, and moments of doubt. But it’s through these challenges that the bonds between my characters grow stronger. They learn to communicate better, to trust each other more, and to lean on each other when things get tough.
For example, in one of my stories, two lifelong friends find themselves at a crossroads. One is ready to take a big risk and pursue a long-held dream, while the other is struggling to let go of the safety and security of her current life. At first, this difference in perspective creates tension between them. But as they talk things through, they come to understand each other’s fears and hopes. In the end, it’s their friendship that helps them both move forward, even if their paths take them in different directions.
What makes these friendships so important in my stories is how they resonate with readers. We all know what it’s like to have a friend who’s been there for us in our darkest moments, or who’s pushed us to be better when we didn’t think we could be.
These connections remind us that we’re not alone, that there’s always someone who’s got our back, no matter what. When readers see these kinds of friendships in my books, I hope they feel a sense of recognition, of seeing their own experiences reflected on the page.
Ultimately, the power of friendship in my writing is about showing how these bonds can help us grow and change. Whether it’s finding the courage to take a leap of faith, learning to forgive, or simply realizing that it’s okay to ask for help, the friendships in my stories are there to remind us that we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. They are the unbreakable bonds that hold us together, no matter where life takes us.
And in a world that can often feel uncertain and overwhelming, that’s a message I think we all need to hear.
I really enjoyed this post! Friendships are the joy of life, both in reality and in the stories we read and share.
You make me think that friendship is perhaps underplayed in fiction generally, overlooked in favour of romantic bonds. But yes, you're right, they are as critical in our stories as they are in our lives - I'll try to bear that in mind! A warm and generous article, thank you