"So, why do you do that editor thing? Whatever that is."

Becoming an Editor-In-Chief for the Grand Rapids branch of The Odyssey Online wasn't really on my radar. At all, actually. I was preoccupied with gathering a small and dedicated group of writers to launch a Grand Rapids Odyssey community. Grand Rapids didn't have an Odyssey community yet, and as an already established Odyssey writer, I was eager to extend this opportunity to friends whom I knew would love to write for a national platform. In fact, during the recruiting, I was keeping an eye on each person I talked to, wondering which of these talented writers would be chosen to be interviewed to become an EIC.

But then as I spent more and more time talking to each writer, reading each application and original piece, I grew attached. I saw the potential with which the team was already teeming. How could I put together an amazing team just to leave them to fend for themselves once my recruiting was done? So when Angie, a publishing editor located in NY, offered the opportunity to become the EIC, I jumped at the chance.

The beginning wasn't rocky, but it wasn't smooth. Writing for Odyssey needed to be incorporated into each person's schedule in order to reach the deadline for each week. That was almost two months ago. The team grew and shrank with each addition and subtraction of talented writers, but we established a routine and, soon enough, a connection with each other.

Most of the writers are around the same age, a couple years younger or older, yet each one provides a unique angle on both similar and different topics. Each week when I receive emails saying that there's an article that needs my attention, that needs to be edited, a little ball of excitement grows in stomach. The passion with which each content creator writes is made tangible with the quality of their articles. I'm left nearly in tears from one, only to chuckle wryly at the next. Each writer has his own style but also is willing to listen to comments from the editors and readers.

This past month, my team generated close to 40,000 page views. This relatively new team, of about 16 articles posted weekly, managed to bring in a huge audience. They write about the topics that are important to them, and to have that many page views on their opinions and voices is gratifying beyond belief.

So to my team, thank you. I look forward to reading each and every article. I love seeing each of you develop your style and write with passion, most times to be a voice that will help the reader. When I talk about my team, I radiate with pride because of the work, passion, and connection (with each other and the audiences) you all present. So thank you for being great writers, a dedicated team, and for being treasured friends.