Though writing itself is a solitary pursuit, the writing life presents many opportunities for community. In fact, a writing community can be an essential element in a writing career. Other writers offer invaluable feedback, publishing tips, and post-rejection sympathy. But how do you go about finding a writing community? It takes some effort, but it's worthwhile to find other writers to support your work.
© Ryan McVay / Getty ImagesWriting groups fill a number of functions in a writer's life, providing regular deadlines, invaluable feedback, and, with a good group, inspiration and motivation. But for the writing group to be helpful, the chemistry has to be just right. For many people, finding other writers in their community can be challenging, much less writers who gel as a group. How do you get started?
A
writing class is one of the best ways to find a writing community, especially if you're also ready to receive feedback. Most cities offer a number of options for classes, from continuing ed courses at colleges to free classes held at libraries or bookstores. But how do you find a class and a teacher you know will be worthwhile? Use these suggestions to start your search.
Join an Association.
Even if you don't live in a big city, there may be a writers' guild, league, or other organization that will help you connect with other writers.
Northern Colorado Writers, for instance, hosts monthly critiques, as well as workshops and conferences. Writer
Sandra Balzo re-wrote her first novel with a writing group she met through her local chapter of
Mystery Writers of America. "Gary and Ted encouraged me to trust my instincts, so when I went back and rewrote, I didn't do it for the agents or the editors or EVEN the hoped-for reader. I wrote for me," she says. "And darned if Ted and Gary weren't right. The book finally sold."
Volunteer for a Literary Organization.
Depending on where you live, there may be organizations devoted to writing or literature, or even for a
literary magazine. Volunteering is a great way of getting to know other people who share your interests and concerns. Your efforts will be appreciated by the organization, and as a volunteer, rather than an employee, you get the connection without the workplace politics. (And if you are out of work, volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door at a place you might want to work.)
Start a Reading Series.
In their search to find community in NYC, Rebecca Lindenberg and Jessica Piazza started the Speakeasy reading series at a Lower East Side bar. The series gave them the excuse to reach out to their favorite writers, both established and up-and-coming, and it attracted a following, which developed into a community. By taking a risk and putting themselves out there, they made new friends and created an audience for their own work.
