By Wendy Lawton
One of the reasons you love writing is because it is a solitary pursuit, right? Aren’t most writers introverts? So why in the world do we have to connect with writer friends?
You’ve heard the word networking used and overused until it has made us all cringe. It’s all in the motivation. We writers need each other. In this day when authors are expected to shoulder a portion of the burden for marketing their books, we need each other more than ever. We need to connect with our writer friends not so much to get them to help us get the word out about our books but to see how we can help each other. Reciprocity! It’s much easier to talk up my friend’s book than it is to talk up my own book.
So how do we connect with other writers?
- Join Writing Groups. There are so many: ACFW, RWA, Mystery Writers of America, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. Reader’s Read gives a list of dozens of organizations.
- Go to a Conference. Meeting fellow writers is one of the most important things you will do at a conference.
- Find a Local Writing Group. Check with your library, your local bookseller or Barnes & Noble. They will most likely know where to find the local writers.
- Comment on Author Blogs. When you leave regular comments on writing blogs, you are becoming part of that blog community. Watch the other comments. When someone interests you, follow them to their blog or Twitter. You may eventually decide to connect.
- Offer to Help Your Favorite Writers. Lauraine Snelling has a whole group of readers, writer friends and friend friends who help pass out bookmarks for her and get the word out about her new releases. I’ve watched this bestselling author reciprocate as well. She’s always helping debut authors get their start. Friendship is helping each other.
However you do it, now is the time to begin to develop the friendships that will last even longer than your books. How did you meet your writer friends?
How to Write Great Discussion Questions
I realized quite early on
that writing was really not my talent,
instead of scenes so deftly drawn,
mine were battered with a mallet.
But I hung around this place
because I liked the people here
and could maybe offer grace
for the muse they hold so dear.
Perhaps there might be gentle things
that I could say, to raise a heart
which like Icarus lost the wings
fledged unto inconstant art.
I came afire with striving avarice
and found, in friendship, Godly balance.
I would not be where I am today without my writing friends. So many wonderful people come to mind when I think about my publication journey. I just had three dear writing friends come to my house last week for a retreat. I’ve met people through blogs, on social media, in person at conferences and retreats, and in my local ACFW chapter. Whether we’ve roomed together at a conference, or have only spoken online, I hold these people very dear to my heart. Through my friendships, I was recommended to my first agent, I was encouraged to enter a contest which led to my first published novel, and I’ve been included in several novella collections. My friends not only help me brainstorm story ideas, but they also lend their wisdom in other publishing-related situations and offer support when I need it most. My greatest blessing on this writing journey is the friends I’ve made.
The best part of writing is the wonderful friends I have met along the way. Friends who help me, and I help them.
Friends are the sweetest blessing of this journey. And I’ve been overwhelmed to experience how tenderly authors wrap their arms around beginners. I wouldn’t have started writing for a magazine in 2008 had a friend not recommended me to the organization. I barely knew her, but she did this for me. And though I was so unqualified, I have learned so much along the way. I’m so grateful for that opportunity. This blog has been an incredible place for friendships. ACFW is like a family reunion. I adore my crit group which is part of ACFW. I love meeting writer friends in person. It’s interesting to see how my Facebook friend list has changed from mostly family and long-time friends to new and long-time writer friends.
When I first began writing, this blog community is where I began meeting writer friends. I’ve since met many more through blogging, and as you mentioned, becoming part of other blog communities. And My Book Therapy. I’ve met many wonderful people there.
So true, Wendy! Writer friends understand us in ways other friends just don’t. I need that encouragement and I need to encourage my writer friends and put the focus on them. I’ve met writer friends through local ACFW and RWA groups and at conferences. Each one is vital and treasured.
Conferences, Blogs, Reading good books and becoming facebook friends with the authors … .
I’m not sure when this was posted, but it is so relevant. Commenting on author blogs is a great way to nurture friendships. When we can help each other, that’s a real plus and we both smile.
I rely so much on my online writer friends! From passing chapters back and forth to encouragement to meeting up at conferences and even sharing rooms…I don’t know what I’d do without them!
I enjoy meeting other writers. I have made great connections on social media and at writers conferences. There is so much to learn about writing and I appreciate the encouragement and wisdom of other writers. 🙂
I’ve met dear writer friends in most of the ways mentioned. At a writer’s workshop, I mentioned to an author I’d just read my first novel that she’d written because I didn’t know her. Shocked, she asked if I only read works by authors I knew personally. I didn’t, and still don’t, need to meet them personally, but there are so many books to choose from, I only want to spend money on writers I knew from experience or trusted recommendation would provide a good story. Because of allergies, I can’t rely on library to fulfill my reading heart’s desire. Therein is another reason I value writing friends.
I’ve recently subscribed to this blog. Thanks for this great advice. As a writer toiling away on my first book, I needed to hear this and see all the encouraging comments.