Great Writers Connect With Other Writers

Writing shouldn't be a lonely career

Are you writing at home? Chances are you are bored, stuck, or watching Netflix. Or maybe you are having the time of your life doing nothing but writing all day. Maybe you just write a little on the side. Regardless of your situation, wouldn’t it be nice to meet face-to-face and connect with like-minded individuals?

Writing requires more inward focus than collaboration with others. It is an isolating career. But does it always have to be? Why can’t writing be like a traditional job where people go out for brunch, bounce ideas off each other, celebrate wins, make business moves, and support one another when it gets stale?

Many of us underestimate the power of networking and forming relationships with those in our field. We can easily capture the minds and hearts of our readers, but when it comes to forming friendships and meaningful relationships, it becomes a challenge.

Some days it’s just you locked in a room happily doing your thing. Other days, the solitude weighs heavily on your mind. Some days you are procrastinating, doubting your skills, and wasting precious time that could be spent writing. Other days you can use a little motivation or you just need to get out of the house. And that’s where connecting with other writers comes in.

Writing Is Fun With Friends

Writing is fun and it’s not a problem at all if you are an introvert who enjoys writing. You might never go outside, but human connection is vital. As with traditional jobs, some relationships you form with other writers could end up turning into lifelong friendships. But that’s not possible until you leave your comfort zone and start networking.

I know what it’s like to be an introvert, but I also know the benefits of staying connected. I know the benefits of making genuine connections with those who share the same values and dreams as me.

Whether you are a top writer with many titles under your name or a newbie writer, there are plenty of benefits of networking as long as you’re responsible and alert while you network.

Fans vs. Friends

On the road to a successful writing career, there are two things that matter a lot: friends and fans. Your friends can be your biggest fans, but your fans aren’t always your friends.

Your fans are those who read and support your work, but they do not hold you accountable for anything or motivate you when you feel uninspired to produce new work.

Your friends are those who are in this together with you. They inspire you; they motivate you and they hold you accountable. Your friends are the ones that keep you from quitting when writer’s block hits.

Being a part of a writing community isn’t just for socializing, developing skills, and networking. When you meet and talk with other writers, even if it’s online, certain things become clear.

You realize you’re not the only one going through the things you are going through. You begin to understand it’s all part of the writing process. You realize the process is easier when you can call on a friend.

There is nothing like talking face-to-face with a person who understands what you are going through because they are in the same boat as you.

Great writers connect with other writers for several reasons. Here are a few I put together.

Support

As writers, we need support. Even if you feel you don’t, you do. You need people to read your work. Writers are readers, so amongst writers is where you want to hang out.

You can find that support in writing groups. Most of these groups you can find on Facebook. It’s a great way to share your work with others, get support, feedback, or anything that can help you in your career.

When you make an effort to connect with those with more experience than you, you open yourself up to learning opportunities. Some will be open to forming mentoring relationships, which can be extremely rewarding both professionally and personally.

Audience

When you meet other people, it helps you build your audience. When you support each other in writing groups, you become each other’s audiences. You help your audience improve. You share your knowledge and wisdom with them. You support them as well, and that’s a meaningful thing to have.

Ideas

When you hang around others, you bounce ideas off each other. You share your ideas with them and they share theirs with you. This boosts your creativity and your mood. It boosts theirs too.

It motivates you to write better. You learn in the process, and it makes you make smart decisions in your real life.

Friendships

Everybody needs friends. It’s even more fun if your friends enjoy the same things you enjoy. Your friends will challenge you. Friendship is key to your success and with all our relationships and it can create a sense of purpose in our lives.

We learn how to interact with people, even the ones with different views than us. Friends help us deal with stress and make better decisions. Making friends with similar interests is helpful for you as a writer. Networking isn’t just about business. It can help you make valuable friends with interests and life experiences that align with your own.

If you put in the effort, you can develop strong friendships with the potential for professional collaborations.

Leads

The hardest part for many freelancers is generating new leads. Most would rather focus on perfecting their craft than to go out and find new clients. The friends you connect with could end up referring you to someone, or they could recommend you to someone who needs your skillset.

Joining networking groups is a great way to find leads and make friends. Focus on the groups your ideal clients hang out at. The more you connect with other professionals, the more often clients will be sent your way, especially if you have a unique skill that makes you stand out.

Writing Shouldn’t Be Isolating

Writing can feel lonely sometimes, but there are others out there who want and need support as much as you do. Make developing relationships a priority.

It may be tempting to use your freedom as a freelancer to become a hermit, but connecting with other writers, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals is worth it.

Finding a group of writers you can work alongside is fun and exciting. If you’re not already taking steps to connect, you should be.

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