Five Reasons Why You Need A Writing Community

In most cases, I would tell you that to be a writer you need nothing more than your story and a place to record it. 

But there is one thing that is almost as important as either of those two things. 

A writing community. 

A group of people who will be there with you every step of your writing journey from that first hint of a story idea until your book is in their hands. 

Why should you bother yourself with finding a community? Well here are a few things a writing community can do to help you. 

Encouragement and Motivation 

If it wasn't for my writing community and my support system - you wouldn't even be reading this article today as I would probably have packed up my keyboard and quit writing years ago. 

A writing community acts as your own circle of cheerleaders standing by your side supporting you through your winning moments and helping get you through the ones where you think of throwing in the towel. 

Constructive Feedback 

Before you put your book into the hands of readers who just might tear your book to shreds for the mistakes… you should place your book into the hands of someone in your writing community. 

Of course, they still may tear it to shreds, but at least they'll stick around afterward to help you tape the pieces back together in an order that will leave it looking better than what you started with. 

Accountability 

There's no one more harsh about telling you off for your excuses for not writing than other writers. 

Writers know that the laundry could have waited till tomorrow, that the new show you wanted to see could have waited until after your word count of the day, and that you should have told your family that you were busy and closed the door so that you could focus on your work. 

Sure they seem to forget all of this when it comes to their writing, but at least they're good at reminding everyone else and holding them accountable.  

Inspiration 

Have you ever been stuck in your novel and you're not quite sure where you should go next - if only you had a group of amazingly creative people to talk it out with to get you out of the ditch and get your story back on its tracks?

Sure you can try to ask your partner, who will listen though not be able to give any helpful advice, but that's exactly the sort of thing you should go to your writing community about! 

Networking 

When you write a book, especially if you are self-publishing that book - you need to hire quite a few people before your book can get on the shelves. 

Sure you can do it all yourself for the great price of almost free, but of all the writers that I know, there isn't a single one who is an expert on editing formatting, book cover design, marketing, and the whole slew of other things it takes to have your book looking as professional as possible. 

Paying for these services can be tricky if you're not sure where to look or who to trust, but a writing community full of others who have hired for these positions or work in them themselves is the best thing you could ask for. 

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Writers are amazing at helping other writers because they're either going through exactly what you are or they already have and come out the other side with all that experience tucked away just waiting to help the next person that comes along. 

So go on, go out and find your community. 

With love, 

B.K xo xo

Want to write with me live? I'm now on Twitch! Come join me in some writing sprints most days at 10:00 pm EST

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