When I first started writing, it was all inspiration without any instruction or information. None of my personal friends were writers. As a result no one could relate to my growing passion to pen thoughts, lessons and feelings. Though I initially loved my times of writing in secret, I soon found it to be lonely.
My first writers conference was at Mt. Hermon, CA, over twenty years ago. I felt like a kid in a candy store–writers everywhere, speaking a language that made sense to me and fostered passion and creativity for months afterwards.
Writers need other writers. Truth be told, being part of a writing community encourages our commitment to the craft. Being with like-minded people is a great source of encouragement to those who normally pave the path alone. Writing is a solitary endeavor with many hours penning thoughts, researching and then pounding out the results on the computer keyboard. It can be lonely.
It’s easy to doubt ourselves, wonder if we are good enough or if what we are creating is worth the effort. Because of this, being connected to others is more important than one might think. Here are some reasons to be connected to other writers.
- Being in a writing community helps us thrive in the fellowship of other writers.
Whether it is an online group, workshop, yearly conference or meeting at your local coffee house, coming together with others sets us up for growth. Listening and learning from others experiences, keeps us growing ourselves. And, growing is fundamental to the freshness of the words we place on paper for others to read. In community you can become another writer’s sounding board and they yours.
- Being in a writing community gives us a place to obtain critique and feedback.
Beginning writers as well as established authors benefit from critical and constructive feedback. Receiving input and feedback is important to continue growing as a writer. Response of any kind ignites something in us that cultivates the creative side of our writing and enables us to look through a different lens at our own work.
Being in community keeps us in a literary mindset. Finding a local writers group is the perfect place to start and can help sharpen skills and fine tune our messages and stories.
- Being in a writing community fosters creativity and accountability.
If you want to be a writer then you must do the obvious–write. Writing is a commitment and learning more of the craft is not just important but can be game changing to keep you in it for the long-haul. Writing is a long process and publication an even longer one. To be with other writers who understand the struggle as well as the joy and surprise when doors so open–is a gift.
When you are part of a larger writing community, writing becomes a disciplined way of life. To have others hold you accountable and cheer you on in the dry seasons is the very thing that will keep your mind in the game and your fingers on the keyboard. Seeing others process will begin to ignite something new in your own. Watching how others handle both rejections dn success will pave the path for you to follow when it’s your turn at either.
Finding Community
Where can you find a writing community? Start with a local or national writers conference. Connect with others and find like-minded writers to walk the path with. With social media, podcasts, streaming of online conferences and group meetings through zoom–connecting with others in a meaningful way is easier than it once was. Don’t rule out finding a writers group in your own city. I there isn’t a group, start one. One thing is certain, we are all better when were are doing life together.
How can you make a meaningful move in 2025 to be more involved with other writers?
The Reader-Writer Bond
I have always loved this idea, but being young woman in my early 20’s and having a busy schedule makes it hard to finally make it to a conference. It’s definitely on my bucket list, but until then…what are specific ways I can get involved in a community? Nothing too engaging—I don’t have much extra time to spare (one of my difficulties in actually working on my novel🤪), but the mutual encouragement and edification would be wonderful🫶🏼
Stephanie, there are some wonderful Facebook groups for writers, and you can meet people there through commenting on the posts. Then take it to emails and chats in Messenger to build relationships. Some will turn into writing buddies who encourage each other and pray for each other and become real friends over time, even if you’ve never seen each other face-to-face. If you want to contact me at my website through the contact form, I can suggest a few groups to you where you can start making those connections.
I thought that I could do it all,
alone, by my own strength,
but after pride did come the fall,
and I have found at painful length
that relationships I spurned
can no longer be made good.
They were blessings, quite unearned,
and if I could I surely would
return and treat them with due care,
treasure every quiet touch,
for I now am quite aware
that the silence is too much
to be borne by human heart
that should have paused to play its part.