Episode 029 – Writing Communities FTW

This week we’re talking about how valuable being part of a community of writers is for your author journey. We’ll look at how they benefit you, how to find them, and how to get the most out of joining one.

If you’re looking for a community to join, check out the Writer Roadmap Patreon at patreon.com/hollylyne and join our membership community on Discord. Or take a look at www.thewriteplace.community for a free and fun community of writers around the world.

I hope you find this episode inspiring and helpful.

*Affiliate links may be included. You never pay more, but I may make a small commission on your purchase. This helps to pay for the running of this site.

Listen now wherever you stream podcasts.

Transcript

Hello Navigators! Welcome back to Writer Roadmap. I’m your host, Holly Lyne, and in this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s incredibly important – the power of community in accomplishing our writing goals. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned novelist, the support of a community can be the wind beneath your writing wings. Let’s explore how.

The Strength of a Writing Community

Writing, by its nature, can often feel like a solitary pursuit. But the truth is, we’re all part of a vast, vibrant community of storytellers, each with our own unique experiences and insights. This community is more than just a group of people; it’s a source of strength, inspiration, and support.

Feedback and Growth: One of the most tangible benefits of a writing community is the opportunity to give and receive feedback. Constructive criticism from fellow writers can help refine your work, while providing feedback to others sharpens your own skills. That might come from a critique partner, a writing group, a friend, beta readers or a professional editor. That collaboration with a network of people can be incredibly valuable.

Motivation and Accountability: Writing groups or partners act as accountability buddies, encouraging you to meet your goals and stay on track. Knowing that others are invested in your progress can be a powerful motivator. Some of the ways you can create that accountability for yourself are in co-working in person or online with other writers and sharing your wordcounts. Alternatively, sharing your targets on your social media so that your friends, which hopefully includes writers, can cheer you on and support you. Both in my Patreon community on Discord, and now in The Write Place, which is a writing community away from the distractions of social media, I share a weekly accountability post where we share what our tasks and goals are for the week. Knowing that we’ve each told others what we plan to work on helps make those plans happen.

Shared Knowledge and Resources: The collective knowledge of a writing community is invaluable. From tips on crafting compelling narratives to advice on navigating the publishing world, the shared wisdom of the community is a goldmine. So much can be learned from books and podcasts, but there’s no real substitute for having conversations, getting recommendations and even getting coaching to take you to the next level in your author journey.

Building Your Writing Community

So, how do you find and engage with a writing community? It’s easier than you might think.

Writing Groups and Workshops: Look for local writing groups, online forums, or workshops. These can be great spaces to connect with like-minded individuals.

Social Media and Online Platforms: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and dedicated writing forums offer a wealth of opportunities to connect with other writers across the globe. The downside of relying on social media is that it can be very distracting and suck up more of our time than we’d like. There’s also a trap that’s easy to fall into with social media, which is connecting with writers rather than readers. Then when you have a book to publish, you find that your followers aren’t really the right people. The good news is that there are alternatives, such as The Write Place!

Literary Events and Conferences: Attend literary events, readings, and conferences. These gatherings are not only educational but also great for networking and building relationships. Search for events that are practical for you to attend in person.

Nurturing Your Community Connection

Engaging with a community is more than just being present; it’s about active participation.

• Be Supportive: Celebrate others’ successes, offer encouragement during tough times, and be a positive presence in the group.
• Collaborate and Share: Don’t hesitate to collaborate on projects, share opportunities, and exchange ideas. The more you give, the more you gain.
• Respect and Diversity: Embrace the diversity of your community. Everyone has a unique voice and perspective, and there’s so much to learn from each other.

Navigators, as we wrap up today’s journey, remember that in the world of writing, community is everything. It’s our support system, our sounding board, and our shared knowledge base. Engaging with your community can make the difference between a solitary struggle and a shared journey towards success.

If you’re looking for a community to join, check out the Writer Roadmap Patreon at patreon.com/hollylyne and join our membership community on Discord. Or take a look at www.thewriteplace.community for a free and fun community of writers around the world.

That’s all for today. Don’t forget to subscribe to Writer Roadmap, and share this episode with someone who might be searching for their writing tribe. Until next time, keep writing, keep connecting, and keep navigating your unique path.

Writer Roadmap intro and outro music used under license from Pixabay. Music track “Salangseuleoun” was Created by “Dayfox”.