Where to Find Your Local Writing Community
Meet Other Writers at Readings, Book Clubs and Writing Courses
Dec 19, 2008
Many writers can spend hours at their desks working on a great story or article, missing out on vital interaction with others in their field. These interactions are important to trade ideas, share experiences and make networking connections that can be valuable to your career. Whether you're new in a community or just want to meet other writers, there are several easy ways to get involved.
Attend Readings to Find a Writing Community
Readings are often free and a great way to gain exposure to new works being published. This is also an easy first step to approaching other writers, as there is no obligation to network. Check out local bookstores, library branches and universities to find out about upcoming readings. Many of these places have websites with listings for events. If you are feeling brave, look for a reading that is also an open mic event and bring something you’ve been working on!
Find Other Writers at a Book Club
Most writers are also avid readers. As such, a book club is a perfect place to find those writers and chat about what you're reading at the same time. The internet is a great resource to search for book clubs in your community, but many libraries will also have information about different clubs that might interest you.
Starting your own book club is another fun way to meet others who share your passion for writing and reading. Check out Lisa Rufle's guidelines on how to start a book club.
Take a Writing Course, Workshop or Retreat
The continuing education departments of many universities and colleges offer weekend and evening writing courses for adults who are interested in honing their craft. These courses provide writers with an opportunity to improve writing skills alongside other local writers. Courses can range from basic technique improvement to more advanced workshopping. Visit local colleges’ websites or make a phone call to get details on courses that suit your needs and schedule. Like a book club, you can even start your own writers' workshop. Andrea Beca has some useful tips on starting a writers' workshopping group.
On a larger scale, writing retreats are wonderful opportunities to spend several days getting to know other writers while working on your own material.
Volunteer for Writing Community Organizations or Festivals
Scan the local newspaper or do an internet search for writers’ festivals and events in your area. Many of these events can be quite large and are dependent on volunteers to help them run. Along the same lines, local writers’ organizations are often driven by a volunteer base. With a small time commitment, volunteering can be a great way to contribute to the community while meeting other writers. Volunteer jobs can be as small as answering the phones for one day at a writer’s festival, or can be as large-scale as sitting on a board of directors or a writers' collective. Both can allow writers access to resources and people they never could have known without volunteering.
Getting involved in your local writers’ community doesn’t have to be intimidating, expensive, or difficult. There are many options available to meet local writers, such as readings, book clubs, writing courses and volunteering for writing events or organizations. Taking time out from your writing to meet other writers can be rewarding and enriching to your craft and career.
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