Why is community so crucial for writers?
Key reasons and practical solutions.
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Writers can’t exist in a vacuum.
(well, in fairness, nobody can)
But, like most creatives, writers are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of isolation: discouragement, lack of motivation, imposter syndrome. Any one of those suckers can knock us out of kilter, and recovery can be slow-going.
On the other side of the coin, writers benefit hugely from not existing in isolation.
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Having a supportive community of like-minded writing peers around you can be incredibly beneficial.
It can help improve your craft and overall well-being.
It’s a safe place to run to when another rejection email comes slithering into your inbox.
It’s a place to vent your frustrations and share your wins.
And it’s so much more.
Here are some key reasons why being part of a community is so crucial for writers.
1. Valuable Feedback
A writing community is an excellent source of valuable feedback and constructive criticism.
You can share snippets of your work-in-progress, ask questions (even if you suspect they have obvious answers), and gather free advice from fellow scribblers.
By sharing your work, you gain fresh perspectives and important insights that can kick your writing up a notch in terms of quality. Sharing that work online takes things a step further, giving you real-time feedback you can learn from right away.
You’ll also learn the important skill of giving feedback to others in a way that builds up rather than tears down.
Always be ready to accept advice and constructive criticism with an open mind. The last thing you want to do is react poorly (on the internet) and dissuade others from offering feedback again.
2. Support and Encouragement
As already mentioned, writing communities are a fantastic source of support and encouragement for hard-working writers.
As a writer, you’re going to hit a lot of bumps in the road on your journey to publication.
Agents will reject you; publishers will reject you.
Friends and family won’t show much interest in reading your work.
You’ll go through periods of writer’s block and suffer a major lack of motivation from time to time.
That’s why having a community of peers around you is so crucial.
The simple knowledge that you’re not alone and that others have gone through exactly what you’re currently experiencing is often enough to jump-start your creativity again.
You’ll be able to share in the success of others and empathise with their disappointments.
When one or two of you stop rowing, the others will be there to keep the boat moving. And next time, you can do the same for them.
3. Networking
Being part of a writing community can also help you expand your network.
It’ll introduce you to new opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have had.
Fellow writing community members can even help you make professional connections in the industry (“Reach out to my agent, she’s great!”) and identify new ways to market your work.
And further down the line, the network you spent time cultivating can also serve as the customer base for your novel or freelance content.
Two birds, one stone.
Quick and easy ways to build your writing community
Go to writing workshops and conferences, if you can. They’re great places to meet and connect with fellow writers and industry professionals. Just don’t be shy about introducing yourself.
Actively join a writing group or critique circle. Such groups could be online or in-person. I know of one group who met in a coffee shop every Saturday to write alongside each other — apparently it helped drive them on towards completing their WIPs.
Connect online (of course). Explore platforms and pinpoint which are best suited to your community needs. Substack is probably the most effective community space for writings right now, but other platforms still have their merits.
Drop by local writing events like book signings and readings. They’ll give you great opportunities to connect with published authors and engage with fellow aspiring writers. These type of events might not come around often, depending on where you live, so snap them up while you can. Your attendance will also hugely encourage the authors or readers they’re centred on, which is a nice bonus.
Community is so key for writers
It’s often a lonely pastime that breeds discouragement and self-doubt.
Do what you can to find and participate in a community that’ll embrace and embolden you in your literary journey. Writing is a solitary, internalised pursuit, but the extent to which we endure that solitude is up to us.
Community is vital. Find yours today and dive right in.
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Really important subject and great advice, David, thank you. I've been guilty in the past of disappearing into my writing cave and disregarding the support of others. The more I remember to foster connection, the better and more enjoyable the whole process