3 Steps to Building Your Own Support Community - article

Writing is a DIY activity because you do it...well, by yourself. However, there is value to locating a community that can support you through this largely isolated activity. Below are some steps for building a support community for yourself as a writer.

1) Join in-person writing groups, but not necessarily critique groups. For those writers who really have to make time to write, rather than just finding it, this is a great way to sit down and get your muse on. You have to write because everyone else around you is writing. In-person groups also help those writers who find themselves plagued with "writer's block" because usually these groups include exercises for free-writing and brainstorming.

2) Join discussions about writing. Writing is something you just have to do, but knowing trends in writing style, format, sales, and overall craftsmanship not only makes you a better writer, but gives you an opportunity to influence those trends. Chat in online discussion forums. The Absolute Write Water Cooler a great forum-based resource for writers on the web, complete with updates on scams, publishing houses, and even freelance opportunity postings. Go to book signings at book stores in your region. The local coffee shop may offer a few readings as well. By becoming a good consumer and critic you begin to understand the market a little more.

3) Find another writer in your area. There is no substitute for face to face communication. Try to find a writer in your area, through message boards or writing groups. Make a weekly or monthly meeting time at a local coffee shop to discuss your works.

As you entertain these varying approaches for creating community keep in mind that the keys to a successful community are participation and consistency. Join the conversation, and share your experiences. As you do so, invite others to share theirs. If you continually show up ready to share every week or month, you’ll begin feeling that sense of support that can only be provided by other people equally engaged in your craft.

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  • Thank you for this information. I am deffinately going to joing a writers group and I am also thinking of starting a writers group in my area. Do you know of any groups that are meeting up in San Bernardino, Yuciapa, Redlands, Palm Springs. California area? Thank you again.
    • Offline in reply to Diana Davis

      For those writers who really have to make time to write, rather than just finding it, this is a great way to sit down and get your muse on, moto x3m online game.

    • Hello Pamela. I am with you on that note. I have written personal journals my whole life. Witnesses of my life, as I took and continue to take life's journey, have always encouraged me to write a book about myself. Instead, I found my pets more exciting to write about. LOL....I began the book years ago, and am just now starting again. I am excited and have my kids and grandchildren to thank for putting the spark of writing back into me. I pray I do well. To Jen V This is great information and I agree on all points. When I used to write, I found peace and clear frame of mind always by the water. I will make the time to do that again during this project. Hopefully timing of weather, does not intervene.
      • I'm just starting out, so I'm nervous. I have so much in my head and now its time to put it on paper. I don't have experience but my book will be excellent when I'm done.