By Leilani Squires

Last month, I promised to share tips on building your writing community. It has only been in the last few years I realized how important a writing community really is, especially if you’re serious about achieving your goals. 

My writing community has flexed and changed due to moving and different stages of life. But about six years ago, I stopped intentionally investing in a writing community. As a new mom and still working full time, I put my head down and just focused on what I needed to do. I was still writing, I was still editing, and I was still mentoring. I survived, but it wasn’t pretty. I became lonely and stagnant in my abilities. 

When I realized what was happening, I started to re-engage with former writing friends and teachers, even if just via email. I heard their updates, I listened to their goals and dreams, and we chatted about techniques. A few asked about my projects and goals and continued the conversation even to this day. With like-minded friends and mentors once again in my corner, I started to enjoy writing and editing again. My confidence increased, I started incorporating new skills and business techniques, and I didn’t feel so alone. 

I would not be where I am today in my career had it not been for those in my writing community.

Building a writing community takes a bit of getting out and about. And even for the most introverted of us, there are ways to build a writing community that is mutually beneficial. 

Have a Reason

First, understand the why. This can be especially helpful for us introverts. Being part of a writing community, either in person or online, isn’t just to have friends who understand how your brain works (as vital as that is). It’s not just about making connections to get better gigs or sell your work (though that does tend to happen). Building a healthy writing community is so you can help one another move closer to achieving writing goals and dreams. 

Participate in a Writers Groups

A writers group can be a great way to have mutual accountability in developing writing skills and meeting goals while learning from others. For me, this has looked different over the years. It has ranged from participating in monthly meetings of large writers groups, to having only a couple close writer friends. 

If you notice you’re the most advanced writer in your circle, I encourage you to do two things: first, keep mentoring and encouraging those in the group and second, seek out and engage with others more advanced. It is too easy to plateau when you don’t have others pushing you to greater heights. 

Attend Conferences

My most long-lasting and career-building relationships came from attending writers conferences—like the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. The face-to-face together time of learning, discussing, brainstorming, and sharing mealtimes can forge some of the most inspiring writing friendships even if you aren’t from the same city. These friendships were the ones I first turned to when I started rebuilding my writing community. 

But you don’t have to wait for your favorite yearly conference. Expand your network and keep sharpening your skills by checking out local workshops, classes, book clubs, and community networking groups. Check with your library, local colleges, and community outreaches. 

Meet Online

Especially in this time of pandemic, it has become easier and normal to schedule meetings over Zoom, Google Hangouts, and the like. So, why not invite someone to an online coffee chat? I’ve tried to schedule a meeting with a friend, mentor, or fellow freelancer once a month just to chat about projects, goals, and best practices. Meeting online means I don’t have to find a babysitter, or travel, but can have a wonderful hour catching up with a friend while wearing my favorite fuzzy socks. 

Stay in Touch

When you meet a kindred spirit, stay in touch across the miles. Don’t be a stalker or bother, but send the occasional email, social media message, text, or make a quick call. Congratulate others on recent projects, ask about current projects, check in on their writing goals, or offer to catch up. Community only grows when communication flows. Don’t let it end with you. Most of my favorite projects are because I simply stayed in touch with writing friends and mentors over the years. 

What would you add? How do you build and grow your writing community?

Leilani Squires is a writer and editor who began working with authors, organizations, and entrepreneurs in 2002. She helps each client develop their message or story clearly, concisely, and compellingly. She has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University and a master’s degree in Communications from Regent University. Leilani speaks at writers conferences, universities, and is an adjunct professor. View Leilani’s services for writers at leilanisquires.com.