Authoring fiction presents strong parallels with leading counseling groups. Authors and leaders strive to create a climate in which growth can occur. Reading provides an emotionally engaging and sometimes life-changing experience, as does participation in a counseling group. Among readers of a particular book, as among members of a particular group, there are immense differences in the events that stand out as important, and the meanings attached to those events. There are significant similarities in the therapeutic factors and modes of change experienced by readers and members, the values implicit in authoring and leading, and necessary author and leader behaviors.