Writing, for the most part, is a lonely and often frustrating business. So it’s a good idea to surround yourself with like-minded people who will support you during the low times, critique your work honestly, help you to promote your work once it’s published, and just offer a sense of camaraderie to buoy you up during the dark bits. And, let’s face it, to hit you smack between the eyes with the truth about your writing when that’s what is really needed. So, whether it be live-and-in-person, through a professional association, a writing or critique group, conferences and retreats, a coffee klatch, or even online through Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc., it’s always a good idea to surround yourself with a support group – and to offer support to those people right back! Here are a few articles I’ve collected to show why building and being part of a writing community is always a good idea.
From Writer Unboxed: Good Company by Barbara O’Neil
From Talking Writing: Self-Doubt: The Worst Distraction for Writers by Tarn Wilson (Talk with other writers about this and you will find that you are not the only one who has suffered from self-doubt.)
From Rachelle Gardner: Living in Paradox
From HuffPost Books: Success in Writing: How To Win the Game by Writers’ Relief Staff
From terribleminds: An Email About Writing And My Response and a response to the response from SFEditor.ca: Advice to Redacted (This is why it’s good to have a community that discusses all the possibilities, because there’s not always one true answer.)
(This post is dedicated to my own valued writing community. Too many of you to name – you know who you are!)
What about you? Are you part of a community and have you found that it’s helped you become a better writer? Please comment below and describe your own community.
Books: Publishing, Reading, Writing 
My small but mighty writing group has been so helpful to me. Each member has his/her own editing strengths. One corrects grammar and punctuation, another eagle eyes clichés and “dead phrases,” another zeros in on emotions or lack of then
, and another discusses the plot and pacing. I love them all.
Definitely strength in numbers there, Joan!
yep I’m part of a few groups through linkedin and it has definitely helped me with the publishing process. I would like to connect with some local groups…especially to do a critique of each other’s work.
Thanks for commenting, TheGirl! Depending upon where you live, you may be able to find a critique group through your local library or a writer-in-residence, should you be so lucky to have one in your area.
Well, I passed by a place the other day that was offering a writing class, but you had to pay $30 a session, so I passed on it. I just want an honest group where we can swamp what we are working on and give reviews and support…
I suggest posting a message at the library or in a coffee shop asking if any other writers would like to get together. Are there any writing associations in your area?
You know I’m sure there is….it’s NYC! I just need to start looking around more.
You’ll find a group! Let us know when you do get something going and how it works for you.