This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
It’s a really good idea to find a support group of other writers. Fellow scribes are the only people who will truly understand your struggles with Act Two, the agony of choosing a POV, and the horrors of submission.
Perhaps you already have a critique group and a couple of close writerly friends. Brilliant. Hold onto them. Send them cookies! Quick!
If, however, you’re just starting out, or you’ve been writing for a little while and are feeling the pinch of isolation, then how on earth do you find your own group of writers?
While you could wear a sandwich board with the phrase ‘writer friends wanted’ and parade up your local high street, it’s probably (definitely) better to use a targeted approach.
1. Take a class. Whether online or in ‘real life’, a creative writing class can be a great way of getting to know a group of writers.
2. Websites about writing often have forums. Some, like Write Words, have critique groups, as well as general advice forums, and these can be brilliant places to find people who are working within the same genre or type of fiction. Even if you don’t think you’re ready to put your own work ‘out there’ for critique, find a forum you like and join in. Read other people’s work and try to be helpful and, before you know it, you’ll know a few regulars.
3. Hang out where the writers are. No, not your local Starbucks – it may be misconstrued if you start accosting people with laptops in public spaces – but online. Try writing websites (like this one!) and author blogs. Keep looking until you have a few you enjoy reading and which seem to be well attended (read the comments). If you visit them regularly you may end up getting chatty with other commenters. This is by no means a definitive way to meet people, so make sure that reading the blog or website is its own reward.
4. Twitter. This must be the single largest online resource for meeting other writers. I mean, the place is stuffed with them and they are (in my experience) a friendly and helpful bunch.
5. Try a local writing group. I must admit that I’m far too much of a scaredy-cat for this, but I know lots of people who swear by them. If, unlike me, you enjoy getting out of the house, then it’s worth checking the noticeboard at your local library or community centre and seeing if there’s a creative writing group. If there isn’t, you could even consider starting one of your own.
6. Join in with a writing challenge such as NaNoWriMo or the Twitter Novelicious Word Race for instant support.