Monday, April 26, 2021

Staying Connected with Other Writers


A recent webinar spoke about how publishers could stay connected with their authors. It’s more than just publishers and authors who need to stay connected – writers need to connect with each other, too.

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is certainly a great way to do that. In addition to this website, there is a Facebook group, a Twitter group, and an Instagram group.

What are some other ways writers can connect?

Writing groups
Many writers belong to a group of fellow writers where they share their work with one another. Whether meeting in person or online, it provides tips, feedback, and support. Choose a group that makes one stretch rather than just offers pats on the back. The purpose is to grow not wallow blindly in unicorn land. The group also keeps one accountable and moving forward.

Mastermind groups
These serve a purpose beyond just critiques. Writers and authors can gather and share idea, opportunities, and experience. They can keep one another motivated on their author journey and accountable, too. Just bouncing ideas off one another is a huge boost and could lead to breakthroughs for members of the group who might be stuck in their writing, publishing options, or marketing.

Supporting a cause
Authors can band together to support a cause. Perhaps a book sale where proceeds go to a specific charity. If a suitable charity isn’t available, the authors could form their own cause. This unites them while placing them in front of their community and giving back.

Tour support
Authors can band together to support one another’s tours. Debut authors can form a group and tour together. Those in a similar genre can do the same, touring both online and in the real world together. A group of authors will always attract more than just one author going it alone.

Exchange services
Another option is to swap services. You speak to one author’s group and that person speaks to yours. This expands your connections while providing your group valuable new information. And no matter what the topic, the teacher often learns just as much as the students.

Co-Authoring
A great way to connect is to co-author a book with another writer (or 2 or 3). This doubles the experience and marketing reach, plus you can ping ideas off each other. An anthology would be another place to connect with multiple authors and share resources.

As you can see, there are many ways to connect. How are you connecting with other writers and authors?

9 comments:

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, it's very important to stay connected to other writers. And you've got some great suggestions for how to stay connected. Another way to connect is to join a group like the Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Some great ways to stay connected.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Good tips here. I especially liked the one about being careful when choosing writing groups.

nashvillecats2 said...

It's good to remanin connected with other writers, I enjoy The ISWG, also The A to Z Challenge. Good formats and excellently run.

Have a good wekk.
Yvonne.

presstfortime said...

Great tips here. I'm looking forward to spending more time with others I find in here and at IWSG in general as it's about time I take brave (for me) steps towards furthering my abilities.

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Excellent ideas here, Diane. Thank you so much for sharing these. I need to move on some of these. All best to you!

Heather M. Gardner said...

Great post!
HMG

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SpacerGuy said...

I've completed aprils A to Z challenge for this year.