How to Connect with People to be a Better Writer: A 3-Step Guide

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How many people know about your dream to be a writer? If your answer is “No one,” then you need to change that today.

When it comes to building a successful writing career, you can’t do this alone. You need ongoing help and support. Think of this group as your writing squad.

To build the right squad, you need to ask yourself 3 questions:

• What are your writing squad goals?
• Who should be on your writing squad?
• How will you connect with your squad?

Step One: Set Squad Goals

So what’s in it for you? What are the key benefits to making your writing career a group effort? Here are just three of the many perks of having a writing squad.

Motivation. Every writer needs motivation. Some days are easier than others. There are good days. This is when you feel self-motivated, when you’re in a good mood, or the weather’s nice, or you feel energetic and it’s easier to write.

Then there are the bad days. These days are when you get a rejection email message about an article/book idea, when you’re sick, when the kids are sick, when you and the kids are sick.

And don’t forget the “meh” days that fall somewhere in between the really good days and the really bad days.

You need people in your life to encourage to keep writing, keep blogging, even when you don’t feel like writing.

You get more ideas for your writing. Is there a magazine or blog that you would love to write for, but you have no idea what to write about? Start thinking about the topics that come up when you’re talking with your family and friends. (You should be listening to them anyway!) Sometimes a problem with work, health, families or another issue can become a good topic for a magazine article or blog post.

You become better a writer. Your friends and family can give you an idea of how readers will react to your book, blog or article, especially if you’re writing for a more general audience.

Also, talking with other writers gives you the chance to ask questions whenever you run into problems while writing (dealing with writer’s block, difficult interviews, doing research, etc.)

The lone wolf: Don’t be that guy.

Image by Clarence Stewart via Flickr

Step Two: Choose Your Squad Members

Who will help you grow as a writer?

Friends and Family: Find the most supportive and positive people you already know. If some of them also happen to be writers, that’s great. But even if they’re not, you still need someone you know who is simply a good listener. This can be a spouse, parent, sibling or friend.

Local writing groups: There are a lot of great groups where writers gather regularly to share ideas, writing opportunities and network. You can find potential groups to check out by doing a simple Google search and checking out different writers’ groups on websites like meetup.com.

(Shameless Plug) For example, I’m a member of a group called Triangle Association of Freelancers, based in the greater Raleigh, N.C. area. This membership has its share of privileges. I’ve met some great friends who share great advice about writing (and life in general). I’ve also found multiple paid writing opportunities that were fun and helped me build my writing résumé and add to my list of writing clips. 

The good news is that writers’ groups like TAF can be found throughout the U.S. Do yourself a favor by checking out a writing group near you.

Social groups: Get connected to at least one or two local groups that represent any professional industries/sports/charities/other issues that pique your interests. These can include industry-specific groups, such as a group for marketing professionals; or volunteer groups, faith-based organizations.

Social Media groups: Some groups are organized around social media. Do a search for writing groups on your favorite social media sites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Good online writers’ groups will share advice about how to improve as a writer. Some groups also regularly share available writing opportunities.

Mentors/Coaches: You can do better. And you need to find someone who is already at least a step or two ahead of you as a writer. Try to seek out writers and/or bloggers whose work you admire. You may find them in a local writers group or in an online writers’ group. Try to find at least a few writers who could be a possible mentor. If they have blogs, follow them. If any of these writers are local, ask for an informal, short meeting for coffee or even lunch. Take time to decide how you still feel about that person being your mentor. If you still feel good about it, ask the person to be your mentor.

Step Three: Spend Quality Time With Your Squad

“But, how do I really connect with other writers?”

By now, you might be thinking, “All of these tips sound great, but how do I make this real?” We’ve all been to networking events where, after a week or a month, you’re left with just a bunch of business cards. No new real or meaningful connections were made. Here’s how to change that.

Start Small. You probably won’t connect with every single person in a group, even if it’s a relatively small group. Identify one or two people in the group and arrange to meet up for coffee/lunch. If that goes well, make meeting in real life a regular habit.

Get involved with the social media site(s) your social/networking group is active on. Does the group have a Facebook page? Are they also on Twitter? Check out the discussions happening on those pages and join in on the topics that interest you.

It’s time to start (or restart) your writing journey today and tell someone that you want to be a writer.

Or tell someone that you’re a writer if you’re already writing, even if you haven’t published anything yet. Watch and listen to their reaction.

Regardless of this first person’s reaction, be sure to continue spreading the word about your writing by joining a writers’ group, whether it’s an online or “offline” group. You will lose your excuses to continue not writing. You will gain a supportive community.

Together, your squad members will help you finally reach the most important goal of all: Being a great writer who creates powerful stories to share with the world!

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Did this post inspire and help you? How do you find people who support your writing efforts? What do you like about your writing group or squad? Share your thoughts and tips with other writers in the comments section.