Connect with the Write Community
If you’re a writer, you enjoy expressing yourself with words. My love for writing began with reading. My Mom read to my brother and me when we were young. Favorite books included anything by Dr. Seuss: Green Eggs and Ham, Fox in Sox, Sneetches on Beaches; as well as Aesop’s Fables.
In junior high I collected as many volumes from the Nancy Drew series as I could. Instead of just words on a page, each book took me on a journey – painting pictures of far-away places and introducing me to fascinating characters. I couldn’t get enough. I was hooked.
Reading fueled an active imagination and I loved making up stories. But I didn’t get serious about writing until years later – and it didn’t take long to figure out, writing was hard work. Right out of the gate there were plenty of things that seemed like booby-traps just waiting to trip me up. So what’s a writer to do?
Some things I’ve learned
writing required me to ‘show up’ – even when I didn’t feel like it, or have the foggiest idea what to write about (writer’s block)
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.Proverbs 6:6-8
writing day after day can be very isolating – I had to schedule time with people so I wouldn’t go crazy
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly. . .Proverbs 18:24a
there’s always room for improvement – whether you’re honing your writing skills, learning marketing techniques, or developing relationships
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31
don’t play the comparison game – concentrate on what the Lord has given you to do; and avoid measuring your successes against those of others
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.2 Corinthians 10:12
If you’ve been writing for any length of time; I’m sure you can identify with one or more of these points and probably add some of your own. So how do you opt for the right things and avoid the pitfalls?
A helpful step
Getting involved in a community of like-minded writers can go a long way toward helping you stay on track and keeping you motivated for the long-haul.
Check out local writers’ critique groups for your particular genre. When I got started writing, I connected with a Christian writer’s critique group that met monthly. I got fabulous feedback on my work-in-progress (WIP) and made friends I still keep in touch with today. Most of these types of groups are free to join and can provide you with a wealth of information.
Some on-line writer’s communities to consider:
Hope*Writers – “We are a community who write about hope, who value encouragement and practical advice about writing as craft, business, and calling. We believe we do our best work when we have good support. We want to help you skip the learning curve we’ve had to struggle through.” (*This is the group I’m currently a part of – it’s been excellent. See note below.)
Compel Training – “Started and led by NY Times best-selling author, Lysa TerKeurst, COMPEL Training is a monthly membership community equipping writers with the tools and skills needed to hone their craft, producing words that move people. In addition to the practical side of writin, we also provide encouragement to keep pressing on with our professional life coaching, inspiring messages and community groups.” Registration opens periodically. (Fantastic content. Two thumbs up from me)
Tribe Writers – “Tribe Writers will teach you to discover your unique writing voice, find the audience waiting for your words, and build a platform that will get you paid and published.” Registration opens periodically. (I was part of the first group that went through the Tribe Writers course – it is excellent, and I’d highly recommend it
Platform University – “Specifically designed to help you launch your platform or build it faster than you could on your own. If you want more visibility for your product, service, cause, or brand, this opportunity is for you . . . Each month, members receive the inspiration, training, and resources they need to succeed while avoiding the most common – and costly – mistakes.” Registration opens periodically. (A wealth of information. Another two thumbs up from me)
The value of community is priceless.
Connecting with other like-minded writers paves the way for a win-win relationship. It is a two-way street that allows you to learn from others and also offer encouragement to them.
*I am an affiliate for Hope*Writers – which means if you click on the link and join the group, I will receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products/services I personally use and that will add value to you.
Today’s takeaways
Avoid pitfalls & stay motivated by joining a like-minded community of writers.
To do
Do some research on various writing communities (including those listed above) and join a group this month. Let me know in the comments below what you discovered and what group you joined!
Can I pray for you?
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing exactly what we need. You’ve created us for relationship, and even as writers, we can come together and share lessons we’ve learned and serve as an encouragement to others. Help us find the writer’s group You want us to be involved in. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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