“Why do you post stuff on the internet?” a friend recently asked me. 

The intentions were pure, but I could sense a bit of the-internet-is-scary-and-public-and-why-do-you-do-sign-up-for-this behind the question.

I get it. There are plenty of downsides to the digital age. 10000%. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t see them. But there are also beautiful parts we don’t admit or speak to very often, and I think those deserve some glass-half-full airtime, too. 

Because while there will always be mean comments and bots and trolls, there will also be connection and inspiration and encouragement and hope and beauty and art and the Spirit of God shared on social feeds. And that sounds like a pretty radical, noteworthy, impactful thing to be a part of, even if we get scraped or bruised along the way. 

The thing I’ve come to believe is that none of us were accidentally created to live in 2025. We were made for such a time as this. There is much goodness, beauty, and growth that can come from leaning into tech, using our gifts, and being willing to share our creations. 

As a girl who knew she was a writer from the age she could hold a pen, I look at the internet and see such abundant blessings. I can publish my work and words at the drop of a hat—and they could be shared with the exact person who needs to hear them. Like, what?! A miracle. Thirty years ago, that wasn’t the case. This is a gift, a treat, a reason to keep pressing in.

So keep going, friend. Create. Share. Experiment. Try. Post. This is where the magic happens. And in the spirit of what—or should I say who—inspires me online, here are five women who have seriously changed the trajectory of my life and career by sharing theirs. Their voices make me feel like I can write like… me. Like my voice and ideas are welcome at the table. Creativity and courage are contagious!

001. Shauna Niequist 

She is the OG liberator of my voice. Period. Every book, essay, social post, or Substack from her feels like a big hug—like a friend keeping it real with such admirable humor, wit, and grace. I am forever a Shauna fan. Her books Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet changed my life. Must reads!

002. Caroline Lunne

What Shauna did for me with writing, Caroline has done for me with content creation. Her audacity and courage to write and share has made me realize… wait, I can do this, too, and I was actually made to do this! I get genuinely excited every time I see her name pop up on Stories or in my feed. Her zeal for life and beauty and hope are Heaven-sent. 

003. Jen Shoop

She is a leader and mentor from afar that reminds me you just can’t beat the girl who never gives up. Writing + the creative life are all. About. Consistency. Jen shows me this frequently via her online presence. Her tone, her warmth + intelligence + musings, her commitment to her craft always inspire me to keep going. Often, when I’m tempted to skip a writing session or just “wait until tomorrow,” I think of Jen showing up to her office each morning, and I’m re-inspired to keep going. Many times when reading her writing, I want to stop reading (in the best way) so I can go write myself. If you’re not following her, you need to be!

004. Hannah Brencher

A true guiding light for what it means to be a bold, faithful, honest, brave writer. Her words have impacted millions, and her gumption + grit has encouraged, challenged, and propelled me forward first-hand from our monthly coaching sessions together. She is the highest role model of who I hope to be someday—a successful writer, yes, but a woman of immense character, class, and courage. Her light shines in the darkness of the internet, and I can only pray mine does the same. 

005. Anna Vatuone

I started following Anna this summer, and the same thing can be said here. Her voice and courage in sharing authentically have inspired me endlessly. I’m so grateful for her example of what it looks like to keep showing up online—the world needs more leaders like Anna who lead by example and call others up with them along the way.

Who are some of your favorite people to follow online?! What other creatives and writers do I need to be following? Drop them in the comments so I can add to my bank of inspo! xo