By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

Writing a book can take a village. This calling isn’t easy. It isn’t fast. And it can be a lonely path. Even most introverted writers come alive when talking about the craft. We are designed that way.

Throughout scripture we see how the Lord made us for community. Right there in Genesis two, when he created Eve as a helper for Adam. But back to my previous statement. Writing can be a lonely path. I’ve certainly found that since moving to England. Perhaps rather than an ocean, you’re limited in writing fellowship by your life circumstances. Small children, aging relatives, finances, a busy work schedule will all prevent you from finding community.

So, what can we do when life makes it hard to find the fellowship we need?

Conferences

These are my first choice for making writing connections. My first conference I knew very few people, and it was a huge conference, but even shy writers tend to come alive when asked about their work. There are huge national events, chapter or statewide options and thankfully, even still some virtual offerings.

Critique groups

If you can’t get to a conference, and lots of excellent writers can’t, then a critique group is a great way to find fellowship. Professional bodies like ACFW have these nationally, some agencies set them up. Your church or local library are other great places to find writing groups.

Launch teams

Writers are always looking for avid readers to join launch teams and helping birth a book is a great way to start interacting with other writers, while also helping them out. If you sign up for newsletters or follow authors you enjoy on social media, and before too long you’ll see an opportunity to be part of a launch team.

Book clubs

You could host a book club and invite the various authors to participate by video. There’s nothing better than hearing from the actual writer, but until I joined the Christian writing community, I HAD NO IDEA that writers were so friendly and willing to talk to readers. And yes, this information has been transformative.

Zoom writing

I have some very dear writer friends. But they all live on another continent. And in several different time zones. But most weeks I have someone for daily company and accountability. You don’t need professional Zoom for this. You can simply rejoin every so often, and let’s face it, we need a break to stretch and refill coffee. You can also use other video apps that work free with Wi-Fi, like Facetime, Messenger, WhatsApp and Signal.

Contest judging

A way to immerse in the writing community, is to help with something. Contests are a great way to do this. If you can judge, then not only are you assisting the organization running the contest, but also supporting writers (especially in pre-published contests).

Social media

If you’re struggling to find community in writing then social media has plenty, and not all of it superficial. Follow your favorite authors on FB/Twitter/Instagram etc. You’ll soon get to know them and their people. Or join one of the many great writing groups. Blue Ridge Conference writers, the 540 Club, the ACFW Genre groups if you’re an ACFW member. A lot of writing teachers also have groups. Do some digging and see what you find.

Professional bodies

And finally, join a professional body. ACFW is one, but there are plenty of others. AWSA if you’re a woman, Faith Hope & Love, Word Weavers, the list goes on.

The bottom line here is that in 2022, there’s no reason to feel alone unless you want to. The Christian writing world, whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction for CBA or the general market, a thirty-book veteran or pre-published, there’s a place and a tribe for you. People who will pray for you, cheerlead you, commiserate, lovingly pick you up when you cannot string a decent sentence together for love nor money and share the triumphs as well as the pitfalls.

We were designed for relationship and I hope you can find writers to bless and be blessed by.

Question: where have you found community? Where would you recommend for someone who’s still looking?

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.