Finding My Tribe

There is absolutely no way I would have written entire manuscripts, let alone submitted them to publishers, without the support of a writers’ group.  I would have once again written a few chapters before editing and reediting each line to try and improve it. Next, would have come procrastination based on “a lack of good-enough ideas” (to neatly cover my deep and unrelenting self-doubt) or “no available time” (somewhat true and therefore an even more effective excuse), until ultimately the whole folly would again be forgotten for a few more years.

The game changer came through a writing course. During an extended period of recovery after surgery, I had no choice but to rest. Time away from work meant time to sleep and think and plan. Though I exhibited a higher-than-average tolerance for curling up on the couch and watching Netflix, this could only take me so far. I’ve always been achievement focused, so during this rare opportunity I both shamed myself into feeling lazy and unproductive (unhelpful) and signed up for an online course with the Australian Writers’ Centre (incredibly helpful).  I loved the affordability, the privacy, and the recorded lessons (to learn in my own time and pace at home).  I was determined to finally write a novel whilst also recognising that if I was going to fail, I preferred to do so in private, at home, in my pyjamas.

What I didn’t expect were the benefits that came from sharing work with other students and giving and receiving feedback. Feedback from other writers, rather than longsuffering family and friends alone, can be surprisingly helpful and spark greater insights and ideas. Confronting at first, this ended up being my favourite part of the course.  Well, my second favourite part. The real magic came from connecting with three extraordinary writers and forming a bond that sparks, encourages and nurtures the creativity in ourselves and each other. At the end of the course, we decided to continue the collaboration and now, years later, we’re still going strong. Life of course brings ups and downs and gaps in writing come along too, but we stay connected and seamlessly slip back into the swing of writing and sharing.

First drafts are notoriously messy (well mine are anyway) so being able to send them to other trusted writers who will read and comment, encourage you to continue and make informed suggestions for how you might improve your work makes it all not only possible to achieve your goals, but even more enjoyable. Honestly, many of these suggestions are pure gold and inspire me to explore new directions.

Having my own informal writing community is my secret weapon for soldiering on and enjoying every step of the way. I value this sisterhood.

So, how to find your own writing community (if you don’t already have one)?

1.    Sign up to a writers’ course (in person or online) that offers the opportunity to give and receive feedback on each other’s work. I found that I naturally clicked with some writers and their writing styles but not with others. We all have our unique strengths, interests and preferences.

2.    Join an online writing forum. Various websites and writing forums offer opportunities to share work, exchange feedback, and discuss writing-related topics.

3.    Social media platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Discord often host writing groups. You could also reach out to the writing community on Instagram and/or start your own group!

4.    Local writing workshops.  Organisations like state or national writers’ centres and many local community libraries host writing workshops. These are often very affordable (and occasionally free) and can connect you with other people who are at a similar writing stage. I did this once several years ago and it was great fun.

Whether you are just starting out on a writing journey, or perhaps much further along, I wish you every continuing success in sharing your voice, navigating your path, and finding your tribe.