Guilds have a long history of offering support and shared knowledge. Traditionally, guilds were formed by people of the same trade: blacksmiths, weavers, or carpenters, etc., who worked together, protected each other’s interests, and ensured high standards in their craft. While today’s guilds may not focus on trades, they still create strong, supportive communities that help people navigate challenges in life.
In modern times, guilds take the form of hobby groups, social clubs, or local circles where people come together over a shared interest like quilting, writing, gardening, or other creative pursuits. But beyond the surface, guilds grow deeper. They become safe spaces where members form meaningful relationships, exchange life experiences, and help one another through personal struggles.
One of the most powerful aspects of guilds is the emotional safety they can provide. Many people feel isolated or unheard these days, and guilds can be lifelines. Members show up not just for projects or meetings, but for each other.
Women, in particular, have long used guilds and circles as ways to share wisdom and build strength. In many communities, quilting guilds, book clubs, or church groups become places where women find friendship, solidarity, and even the courage to face difficult truths. These spaces remind us that no one has to face hardship alone.
This idea comes through strongly in Run, Run by Darleen Innis, a novel that follows two women, Avery and Simone, as they face abuse in different areas of their lives. The story highlights how their quilting guild becomes a creative outlet and a support system. Avery’s guild backs her political campaign with surprising strategy and determination, while Simone finds strength and a path forward through her guild and a local shelter.
Run, Run is a powerful story of resilience, solidarity, and the quiet strength of community. Readers looking for a moving tale about the impact of guilds and the choices women make to reclaim their lives can find the book now available on Amazon.