10 Ways to Expand your Writing Community
It can get awful quiet when you are in your head all day. The typical life of a writer is often portrayed as solitary, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, bringing other people into your writing world is an important way to stretch and grow as a writer. How does one build a writing community though? Let’s look at a few ways to add to your creative clan.
10 Ways to Expand your Writing Community
- Join online writing pages
- Follow other writers & authors on social media
- Join a local in-person writing group
- Attend local writing/poetry events
- Ask friends or family to critique your writing
- Offer to beta read other writer’s work
- Share book reviews on social media platforms
- Submit articles to local magazines & newspapers
- Network with local bookstores & libraries
- Host a book signing event or rent a table at a festival
It should come as no surprise that the best way to expand your writing community is by pushing your comfort zone. You need to join groups, events, and connect with individuals if you want to build a community for yourself. Get yourself out there!
There are so many place to find people to connect with online. Search in groups on Facebook according to who you are and what you are looking for. Think geographically (Canadian Writers), genre (Sci-fi), stage you are at (aspiring), and what you might be looking for (editing). Goodreads, Reddit, and LinkedIn also have searchable groups.
Don’t limit yourself to just those apps though. Google online writing groups and start searching.
While you are online, make a point of following authors and writers and start commenting. Many of them manage their own accounts and will respond, but you meet meet other fans in the process of reading and commenting.
If you are ready for in-person events, get ready for some face time! I found my Shut Up & Write! group through Meetup. They have locations across the world, so no excuses on finding one. Many communities have writing groups through local libraries and municipal groups too, so check there.
Once you have are close to having a published book, start networking for other opportunities in your area. Think book signings at bookstores, hosting a table at a festival, or reading at a local school or business. Get creative and figure out what niche you might fill.
