There is a thread of loneliness woven throughout a writer’s life.
We feel things too deeply to ignore and write the words others have felt but left unsaid. We spend our days crossing a line into vulnerable territory — a place where few others dare to go. Grateful for our bravery, we still understand that this isolation can sting. This may be one of the greatest curses of our art, and yet, we persist. But the question remains, “Where are the others like us?”
In an increasingly digital age, connection feels both rare and way too common.
It’s easy to make a digital friend but tricky to create meaningful relationships behind a screen. The loneliness epidemic that began during the 2020 pandemic has left most of us hungry for friendship and community. We were asked to remain isolated and have since made remote work the new norm. It’s also become normal for us to long for intentional spaces to connect. Sure, creative isolation has its benefits. We can narrow our focus, reduce distraction, raise our creative output and become more in touch with our own intuition and artistry. But, there comes a time when we have to reemerge from the shadows to show the world who we are. This is how we evolve and grow as humans and writers.
Now that platforms are emphasizing discussion and long-form content, like Threads and Substack, we’re finally creating the answers to this problem. Public spaces have been taking notes and following suit as community events and groups become more common. People are dying to talk! The rooms and communities we’ve been searching for as freelance writers and artists exist. And if we can’t find them, it has never before been easier to create them.
Not All Connection Is Created Equally
With such a niche lifestyle attached to our calling, building friendships as a writer requires intention, honesty and understanding. Not everyone is meant to understand the way our minds work, and that is completely okay! Opening yourself up to that possible rejection can be intimidating. But community is both a gateway to inspiration and far too vital for our mental health to ignore.
The key with friendship is always quality over quantity. And the best way to discover those quality connections is to show up authentically. A heart like yours, swirling with creative, unique and passionate energy, is meant to be shared with the world. So, choose to step outside of your comfort zone and trust that you are so worth knowing and connecting with.
How to Find Your People
Whether you’re searching for feedback on a new story or looking for a friend to discuss the genius that is Sarah J. Maas, the platforms listed below will help you cultivate the connections you’ve been longing for as a writer, creative for remote freelancer. This is what Julia Cameron of The Artist’s Way called Creative Clusters.
Local Writers Groups
Fans of in-person connection can easily build community through local writers groups. With just a quick Google search, or skim of the community board at your fave coffee shop, you could discover a place to find new inspiration, peers and possibly even your new BFF.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to build your own community! It’s possible that fellow writers in your area may be waiting on someone like you to make the first bold move. So if you don’t find what you’re looking for, take that as a sign to create it!
- Library writing groups
- Independent bookstores
- Local book clubs
- Community colleges
- Workshops and retreats
- Meetup events
- Search Eventbrite for local gatherings
Online Writing Communities
The beauty of online communities lies in their accessibility. If you have a busy schedule or in-person groups send those anxiety butterflies fluttering about, try a social media group! You also have a broader reach for receiving opinions and sharing your work if you’re searching for supportive feedback.
Tip: Take a moment to define what it is you’re searching for so you’re not overwhelmed with options. Looking for feedback? Post your work to Substack to see what others say. Want to try reading a new genre? Ask for recommendations on Threads or Reddit! The clearer your goal, the easier it is to find!
- Facebook Groups
- Substack
- Threads
- Slack communities
Professional Networks
Looking to expand your circle professionally? A large part of a writer’s success is found within their network. Whether you’re already professionally writing or just curious about where to begin, intentional networking will help point you in the right direction.
Tip: If you’re nervous, find some common ground. Discussing an authentic compliment, shared interest or mutual friend is a surefire way to connect with someone genuinely.
- Local Networking Groups or Events
- Conferences on topics you love
- Events at local co-working spaces
- Co-working groups
- Genre-specific groups, like Mystery Writers of America or Sisters in Crime
Writing may be a solitary act. But that doesn’t mean you have to live a solitary life. Finding connection as a writer is a necessary part of a balanced life. It helps expand our perspectives, open our eyes to new ideas, and challenge ourselves to be fully seen and heard. We reach new levels of vulnerability and bravery with every new friend made. So, trust the process and know that building new connections takes time, nurturing, and openness. But once you’ve begun to open your heart to community, it’s only a matter of time until people you’re looking for will find you!
For More Support
To take a closer look at the feelings that arise when you begin opening yourself up to community, try any of our journal prompts below. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a little clarity through your pen and pages.
Pick A Tarot Card: Journaling Prompts & Poetry Pt. 1
Journaling for the Soul: 16 Prompts for Mental Health Awareness Month
