Don't go it alone

Find your people

The writer is a solitary animal, sometimes shy, mostly bookish. Writers spend hours lost in their thoughts, scribbling or typing stories and ideas. They hunt (for the perfect turn of phrase) alone.

Photo by Caleb Falkenhagen: https://www.pexels.com/

And yet.

And yet.

Writers need companions for the journey. They need people. Specifically, two types of people.

First, writers need fellow writers—their tribe, their pack. Others who pursue the same elusive literary goals. They need to know they are not alone.

Second, writers need readers. They write not just for themselves but for others who will be educated, encouraged or entertained by their words. They write so others will know they’re not alone.

Today let’s talk about the first of these two circles in which a writer must travel. (We’ll talk about readers next week.)

The last two weeks, this little newsletter focused on writing tips and techniques. I reminded you of the importance of basics like a timeline and a story arc.

This week, let’s step out of the classroom and into the coffee shop, so to speak. Let’s talk about you. And what you need as a writer.

I’ve been a part of various writers’ groups over the years. Finding other “word nerds” and artists provided not only encouragement, but practical knowledge about writing and publishing. I felt seen. But also, smarter. And less weird. Here were people loved books (both reading them and writing them) as much as I did!

I’m currently in a writers’ group that meets over Zoom. We read each other’s work and offer feedback. We encourage one another and laugh. We talk about what we are writing and reading.

I also hope that this Substack provides connection for you. Please put any questions you have in the comments. I’d love to have more conversations between all of us in that space.

Writing, by definition, is a solitary endeavor. Solitude can be savored; it can be a respite from the noise. In the quiet space, we listen to the words that are in our hearts and minds, capture them on the page. We can retreat into the world of our novel’s characters, or wrestle with the ideas we want to share in our nonfiction.

Photo by Helena Lopes: https://www.pexels.com/

But sometimes, writing can feel lonely. Isolating. You might feel uncertain, especially if you are new to the world of words, and perplexed by publishing.

What you need is a community. Some support. I’ve said before that you can often find that at a writers’ conference, or in a writers’ group.

But conferences are often held only once a year. And it can be difficult to find a writers’ group. (Mostly because a lot of writers are introverts.) So I’m here to help.

I serve on the board of directors for West Coast Christian Writers. Unlike many other conferences, West Coast is a nonprofit organization focused on developing writers. We put on an annual conference but also provide support to writers year-round.

You can access that support by becoming a member of WCCW. Members become part of a tribe where they can learn, connect with other writers, and discover a safe place to get feedback on their writing.

Members have access to:

• Mini masterclasses on vital writing topics

• A private Facebook group

• Priority conference registration

• Critique groups

• The Latte and Lit book club

• And more!

Membership costs just $70 per year. That’s less than $6 per month. For the price of a Venti mocha, you can find your people and connect with them all year. You can learn and grow, together with a tribe of encouraging folks. Click the button to see all member benefits and learn more.

Need some practical help?

Members also have access to a brand-new benefit: microgrants to boost your writing career. That’s right, you can apply to get some financial assistance to help you pursue your writing dreams.

Say you’re working on your book proposal, when your laptop gives out unexpectedly. Your budget is already tight, and you’re not sure you can afford to replace it. You can apply for a WCCW technology microgrant, and receive $250 to use toward any technology: a device, a new keyboard, software, and so on.

OR,

Maybe you’re trying to work on a writing project while caring for your family. You need to get away—even for a one-day solo writing retreat. But the expense of childcare and a place to stay make it difficult. You can apply for a writing retreat microgrant. Recipients receive $350 to use toward childcare, gas, or accommodations for your retreat.

(You must be a WCCW member to apply for a grant, and must demonstrate need. Contact me if you would like to apply for a grant.)

The WCCW microgrant program just launched this week. It is funded by donations from a group of committed WCCW members, called the Champions, who want to help other writers to achieve their dreams. What a beautiful community of writers helping writers.

You don’t need to go it alone. Find other writers who can take the journey with you, and encourage you along the way.