One of the most common misconceptions is that all any writer needs to do is write. Yes, it is true, you do need to spend time alone practicing your craft. And while writing is indeed a solitary act, you don’t have to do it alone one hundred percent of the time. In fact, locking yourself in a room on a daily basis and trying to do this writing thing on your own can cause negative effects on your mental health. Below are a few benefits to joining a writing community.
1. Accountability.
Sure, you can set deadlines on your own. But are you actually making those deadlines? Some people can, but a vast majority of us push writing to the side, especially when we have day jobs. It is really easy for writing to not be our priority. Having people who can hold you accountable can help you stay grounded in the work. Plus, it will make you feel good that you are also returning the favor for another fellow writer.
2. Feedback.
If there’s anything that’s invaluable to a writer, it’s feedback on their creative work. Joining a writing community can help you meet other writers who may even write in the same genre. Once you find people you feel comfortable with, perhaps you can help each other out by exchanging work. I am now part of several writing communities, but I met my critique partners through my MFA program. Now we exchange work with each other and even call each other up to check in. In fact, at least once a year we take a trip to a writing or book related conference to recharge and talk about writing.
3. Venting.
When you’re part of a writing community then everyone is in it together. Fellow writers are going to know what you’re going through on your writing journey. For example, all writers go through rejection at one point or another in their careers. If you’re facing one or a ton of rejections (depending on your level) then you are going to want someone to talk to. And it’s even better when that someone knows what the experience is like. As a contributing member of a writing community, you’ll always have someone you can call up when you have a bad writing day. Trust me, a good writing buddy will help talk you off a ledge.
4. Inspiration.
Let’s be honest, ALL of us can use some inspiration every now and again. For me, inspiration can be needed for several reasons. Most of us experience writer’s block to some degree. Sometimes, you just need to be around other like-minded individuals so you can get the juices flowing. Other writers might be able to help us get out of a rut, especially if we get the chance to discuss or “talk out” the story. Conversation and socialization with fellow writers may even inspire a story, or even a scene for your novel. Second, inspiration might be needed if we’re feeling low about our writing in general. I have a lot of writer friends who are much further along on the journey than I am. Many of them are where I envision myself being eventually. Hanging around these writers reminds me of what I want and what my writing goals are. Seeing them in the position I want to be in inspires me to get off my a** and write.
5. Friendship.
Above all else, we writers can always use a friend. I’ll never forget one of the core reasons I decided to start my own writing studio. I was at my MFA program at Fairleigh Dickinson University and we used to sit around the Mansion steps (the main building used to be the Vanderbilt Mansion) at night after sessions and talk about writing. It made me understand that I really wasn’t alone. There were other writers who were going through the same issues as I was. Plus, I will always remember the kindness that many of them showed in trying to help me iron out details about character, plot, setting, and beyond. They did the same when I needed help coming up with my technical thesis. I didn’t have writer friends back home. I desperately craved this kind of camaraderie, this level of understanding, closer to home. I gained lifelong friends through my program’s community. And when I started my own, I gained even more writer friends. At this point in my life I am blessed to have so many writer friends.
There are always going to be the writers who think they can do it on their own, the ones who think they don’t need anyone. Fine. Write alone. I probably won’t ever change your mind. As for me, I’m not going to make it any harder on myself than it needs to be. I’m going to do this thing with my writing friends beside me.
