Writing is a lonely endeavor. It requires hours in front of a computer or with a notebook putting down words, changing them and looking for places to pitch. You eat rejection daily, and ultimately, you and only you are responsible for what you write and publish. When you make a mistake, you have to fix it. Even when you get good news, your celebration is a party of one.
Still, you don’t have to go on this journey alone. That’s where writing communities come into play. Linking up with like-minded writers—in person or online—can be a wonderful thing. Here are three things your writing community is good for and a few best practices for keeping things your writing on track.
1. Your writing community holds you accountable
A study done by the American Society of Training and Development found when you tell someone you will complete a project, you have a 65% chance of finishing. When you regularly meet with a group to report your work, your chances of finishing soar to 95%.
Let me repeat that.
When you have a community of people who know your work and hold you accountable, you have a 95% chance of reaching your goal. Your writing community helps you succeed.
With those odds, how can you continue to work alone?
Best practices for creating accountability with your community:
- Set regular times to check in and give updates
- Share your goals and your wins weekly
- Create writing habits that reinforce your goals
- Be honest with yourself and others
- Publicly declare your goals
Further reading: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business
2. Your writing community gives feedback
We all have blind spots in our work. Maybe we’ve fallen in love with a character and can’t cut him even though he needs to go. Or we keep repeating the same mistakes without even realizing we’re doing it. Feedback improves your performance. It motivates you to continue growing.
When you have a group of people who know your work and your goals, they can gently nudge you in the right direction with the right advice. This is what your writing community is for.
But feedback isn’t always so easy to hear, and often your initial reaction will be to want to ignore it. Sometimes, you’ll feel criticized and get angry. When this happens, take a step back and examine the feedback you’re getting. Is it hurtful and unhelpful? Ignore it. But most times, your community offers constructive advice to help you improve. Then it’s up to you to get past your ego.
Best practices for getting feedback from your community:
- Don’t act on your first reaction
- Don’t take anything personally
- Recognize feedback as an opportunity to grow
- Say thank you
- Request time to follow up
- Never argue
Further Reading: Thanks For the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well
3. Your writing community supports when you need it.
You know those days you’re sure you suck? Your book is awful. You don’t know what to do next. All you get are rejections. Your community reminds you not to take yourself so seriously. They’ll tell you when you’re making excuses and suggest you get back to work.
Everyone has bad days. Every writer faces rejection. Your writing community shares their experiences and helps you see your own a bit differently so you can keep going. They’ll cheer you up when you face the bad times and cheer you on when you take big scary leaps. They keep you moving forward.
Best practices for getting the support you need:
- Let people know when you’re having trouble
- Don’t be afraid to tell them your fears
- There’s no such thing as bragging when sharing your wins
- Recognize we’re in this together
- Give back to your community as often (or more) as you get.
Further reading: Now, Discover Your Strengths
Your writing community is the secret ingredient that turns angry frustration into insight. Your community helps you move forward and makes you want to work harder. They lift you up and push you to keep going. When you work alone, you work in a vacuum. Your community gives you the courage, space, and support to achieve more than you ever thought possible.
Are you looking for your own writing community? Then consider joining The Workshop, my online writing community. We have monthly live events, regular office hours with me plus an incredible community of writers waiting to cheer you on as you set your writing goals and then make them happen. Find out more about The Workshop here.
