You Don’t Have to Write Alone: The Power of a Writing Community

I had a vendor booth at a recent event and a person mentioned that I should start a writing group. She craved a writing community. I discussed this with other people who stopped at the booth and all of them said we need a writing group in the area.

Writing is often romanticized as a solitary event. Picture the writer hunched over their keyboard, lost in a world of words, sipping coffee in a quiet café or tapping away in the glow of a desk lamp at midnight. While solitude is certainly part of the creative process, the truth is: writing can be lonely. And that loneliness can make it harder to finish your work.

Over the years, I’ve worked with writers of all kinds—memoirists, novelists, family historians—and I can say with certainty that the writers who find or build a strong writing community tend to write more consistently, revise more boldly, and publish with more confidence. Why? Because writing doesn’t have to be a solo journey.

The Hidden Toll of Writing Alone

Writing taps into deep parts of ourselves. We wrestle with memories, doubts, and a blank page that offers no feedback. Without encouragement or accountability, it’s easy to stall out or start to question whether our words matter at all.

Isolation can lead to:

• Creative burnout

• Imposter syndrome

• Loss of momentum

• Fear of sharing work

  
  

If you’ve ever sat in front of your computer thinking, No one will care about this, you’re not alone. But those thoughts don’t have to dominate your writing life.

Why Writing Communities Matter

A writing community isn’t just a group of people who write—it’s a network of support, encouragement, and accountability. It’s where we find people who get it—the joy of finishing a chapter, the frustration of rewriting a scene, the vulnerability of sharing a first draft.

Here’s what a writing community can offer:

1. Accountability

Setting deadlines with peers—even informal ones—helps you stay on track. When others are expecting to hear about your progress or read a few pages, you’re more likely to show up and write.

2. Encouragement and Feedback

A thoughtful community will celebrate your wins and offer constructive insight when you’re stuck. The right feedback can give you clarity and direction, not just critique.

3. Inspiration and Energy

Being around other writers can reignite your passion for your own story. You’ll learn new techniques, discover different perspectives, and get inspired by what others are creating.

4. A Safe Place to Grow

Sharing your work is scary. But in a trusted writing circle, you get to practice being brave. Over time, that vulnerability becomes one of your strengths.

How to Find (or Build) Your Writing Community

• Take a writing course. A class with a cohort model allows you to connect with writers who are at the same stage you are. The community builds naturally as you go through the process together.

• Start a writing group. Invite a few writer friends or acquaintances to meet regularly. It doesn’t have to be big or formal—just consistent.

• Attend author events or workshops. These gatherings are great places to connect with like-minded writers and build relationships outside of your writing desk. Make sure you are aware of the in-person and virtual author events your local library hosts.

• Join a local or online writing group. Many libraries, bookstores, and community education programs offer them. There are also robust online communities through social media and platforms like Shut Up & Write, or local Facebook groups. Groups that we enjoy are:

  • Friday Night Writes - the 2nd Friday evening of each month. Hosted by Kevin Powell Writing Workshop - open to all

  • Lake Superior Writers - open to writers living in or around Lake Superior

  • Sacred Saturdays by Aya Collective - a space for Black women to gather and write

    
    

As a book editor, I work with writers who are navigating the messy, beautiful path from idea to finished book. The ones who have a writing community behind them—whether it's a critique partner, a small group, or a supportive coach—write with more joy, courage, and resilience.

If you’ve been feeling alone in your writing journey, consider this your invitation to reach out. You don’t have to write in isolation. Your words matter, and there’s a whole community of people ready to help you get them onto the page.