At times, writing can be a lonely pursuit. But let’s be honest, the image of the reclusive author is overdone and sad. This isn’t to say that quiet and solitude shouldn’t hold a place in your practice—they absolutely should.
But disconnection doesn’t make us better at our craft, and, thankfully, you don’t need to write all alone in the woods to write well! In fact, writing amongst peers challenges, inspires, and fuels creativity. Community can be replenishing and generative. However, it also requires a little extra time, effort, and vulnerability.
So, if you are looking to begin building these connections or strengthen your ties to the literary arts community, here are some ideas to get you started.
Reach out virtually
Meeting in-person is wonderful in many ways, but it’s not accessible to everyone. If you live in a rural or remote area, lack access to transport, or face other obstacles to in-person meetups, online connection is a great alternative.
The tools and resources for digital communities have exploded since the pandemic. Online workshops and courses are being offered more than ever, virtual writing spaces are available in every time zone, and niche groups have popped up all over the internet. Check out platforms like Reddit, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, and Substack. The key here is that you need to make the effort to connect. Hype other writers on social media, show up and offer input on Zoom workshops, or be an active participant in the chatroom.
Tip: If you use social media, I highly recommend setting up a creative account. In the age of algorithms, having a dedicated profile means my feed is full of other writers, writing opportunities, literary resources, and creative events.
Find the locals
For many, this approach is the most vulnerable one. Many local writing communities are somewhat organic and informal. Joining them requires showing up and maybe feeling a little out of place. Do it anyway!
Check out classes, groups, book launches, readings, clubs, and literary events. Drag a friend or partner with you. Go all alone. If you can afford it, buy books by authors touring and get them signed at those launches.
If your local library doesn’t offer any writing groups yet, consider starting one there. Libraries are magical places and are, importantly, free.
Places to find the locals
- Independent bookstores. This is where local authors tend to do readings and launches.
- Local arts and culture organizations. Think municipal-level—these might be grass roots or funded by the local government.
- Community arts spaces like galleries or studios. The arts sector tends to stick together. It’s common for visual arts spaces to open their doors for literary groups.
- Social media. This comes back to that pesky algorithm. Be sure to follow local arts and community accounts—this will help you discover writers and events near you.
Sign up for classes or workshops
Not only are workshops and classes a wonderful way to learn and improve your craft, but they are also a way to meet other writers. In 2023, I took a twelve-week online writing course with a small group of writers, and we continue to meet weekly to this day! Most classes and workshops involve some element of sharing your writing and providing feedback. In my experience, there is an innate level of relationship-building that comes from this vulnerable act, providing a natural opportunity to form longer-term connections.
However, I want to recognize that this isn’t accessible for everyone. While I strongly believe that writers should be compensated fairly for teaching, classes and workshops may not be financially feasible for all folks. That being said, many teachers offer occasional free workshops, bursaries, sliding-scale prices, or discounts for those of marginalized identities.
Volunteer for publications
A great way to connect with fellow writers in addition to the broader literary ecosystem is to become a reader for a literary magazine. These roles provide great insight into the publishing industry and often come with opportunities to connect with other volunteers who are just as passionate about their craft.
Tip: Most publications put out calls for readers through an application process. These can be competitive and feel a little daunting. I recommend adopting a “why not me” attitude here and applying anyways. Also, keep an eye out for newer publications who are more open to entry-level readers.
Memberships to associations
Look into joining formal literary associations and unions. These usually require applications and membership fees but come with all sorts of perks, resources, and opportunities to build community. Additionally, many of these associations have memberships for emerging or associate writers, which have more accessible requirements and fees.
If you take advantage of all these organizations have to offer, you can find all sorts of ways to build community through workshops, mentorships, annual general meetings, committees, writing meetups, conferences, and other events. Normally, these associations are location and/or genre specific, but there are also organizations dedicated to supporting writers of different identities.
Tip: Do an internet search for writers “union,” “guild,” “league,” “federation,” and “association.”
Be open
The biggest lesson I’ve learned about building a writing community is that you have to be willing to try, even when it’s awkward, or out of your comfort zone, or a bit inconvenient.
Be willing to contribute to a writing group and willing to show up, even when it’s hard or when you only have it in you to be a listener. Be willing to provide feedback and willing to take it. Be willing to read your work out loud or let others read it. Be willing to experiment with new techniques and to feel a little out of place around new people.
Building community and finding connection takes some trial and error. But hopefully, this list will be enough to at least get you started on the journey.
Read more from Hayley about why you should keep your “bad” writing, and subscribe to our newsletter for more writing resources like these, plus details on our upcoming calls for submissions and events!
