Connect with Others

I may have written about this before. What haven't I written about over the past years of Straight From Hel? Whether I have or not, it's good to be reminded that writers need writers.

Even if you live in some remote area with no writing groups around, connect with other writers online.

You can learn from other writers -- both what they've done right and had success at, and what they've done wrong and regret.

If an agent writes that s/he is interested in your manuscript, you have writers you can turn to and ask if they know anything about him/her.

Other writers who have self-published an ebook can be resources for you to turn to when you decide to do that. And in return, you can help those who come after you.

You can connect with other writers online. Comment on their blog, not just once, but consistently, until you come to be a regular. Meet them on GoodReads and Facebook and Twitter.

Join a local critique group or writers organization. Join a book club. It doesn't have to be a large group. Connect with one or two writers in your area and start occasionally lunching with them or even meeting at a bar for drinks.

Writing is usually a solo profession. But it doesn't have to be lonely. Step away from the computer once in
awhile. Remember what it's like to talk to someone one-on-one instead of via email.