Four years ago, Kathi Appelt invited four writers (Jeanette Ingold, Lola Schaefer, Rebecca Kai Dotlich and me) to her family's ranch in the Texas hill country. We didn't know that first day we would return to Oak Meadows. But before the last day ended, we made up our minds that we'd be back again and again.

If you're a writer, I wish for you what I've been fortunate enough to experience at the annual retreat. Each reunion celebrates friendship and ignites our dedication to the written word.