3 Ways to Build a Supportive Creative Community

Do you have a community of fellow writers who can share the ups and downs of the creative process with you? Today, NaNoWriMo participant Mary Frances Gualandri is here to share some of the steps she’s taken to build her creative community:

Perhaps one of the most rewarding benefits of partaking in seven years of NaNoWriMo has been the connections formulated with fellow writers. Within many social circles, discussing the process of crafting a novel, short story, screenplay, or any other work of writing can temporarily allow the writer that moment of true elation and their passion to emerge. While those who do not create can often share in the excitement and wonderment of creation, it is entirely different to speak to those who have experienced the joy, frustration, and indescribable fulfillment that emits from developing and honing a work that at one time was simply a small spark of idea. Few understand how something as simple as a fleeting moment in a dream or inspiration that struck on a morning commute can be the basis of an elaborate storyline.

Over the years, I have connected with many writers from different parts of the United States as well as some around the world. This year, which has forced many to look to unconventional sources for human connection in the midst of a global pandemic, oddly proved to be when I’ve cultivated the writing community I’ve searched for. Outside of my best friend and a few other isolated writers I’d met over the years, I’d never truly found that sense of community. 

1. Create a Writing Group.

With this year’s update to the format of Camp NaNoWriMo and the establishment of year-round writing groups, what I found is an incredible circle of writers from a remarkable array of backgrounds and parts of the world. Throughout the two Camps this year, these writers were the people I reached out to with questions, ideas to bounce off and snippets to share. To say that the first of November cannot arrive soon enough would be a massive understatement.

2. Enlist Non-Writers.

Beyond the scope of NaNo’s groups and forums, however, what I’ve also discovered about having a writing community is that it does not have to consist of only writers, and in fact, it’s better if it is not entirely comprised of them. One of my best friends is a creative multi-threat; she writes music and stories as well as shoots incredible photographs and crafts beautiful art. Several of my close friends are intense consumers of books, film, and music, perfect for discussing storylines and character appeal, especially because they are willing to make the deep dive into whatever project is in the works. Another friend is an actor who spends many hours transforming into a character, creating another space for in-depth conversations about character development. Other friends and colleagues have remarkably biting wit or quite simply a striking personality that just might provide unexpected insight or perhaps even inspiration.

3. Build Connections.

Perhaps the key to building a writing community is to surround yourself with not only a multitude of creatives, but of people in general. Connect with the artists in your friend group and discuss their process with them. Discuss the creative process with a local musician or songwriter. Chat with a coworker about what they loved about the latest novel they read. It’s all about connection. Contrary to popular belief, writing is not a solo effort, and with technology, it is now easier than ever to reach out to other writers, creators, and even just individuals from a different background or part of the world. Ultimately, these connections will enhance the often-grueling writing process, mold characters and storylines to avoid cliché, and craft the story you were “born to write.”

Mary Frances Gualandri is a writer, poet, and blogger. She is the creator of The
Hopeful Romantic , a blog dedicated to the appreciation and analysis of love in pop culture. At this time, she is working on several projects in a wide multitude of genres while continuing to pen posts for her blog. When she is not writing, Mary Fran enjoys watching sappy rom-coms, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. You can find her on Facebook , Twitter @MaryFGualandri, and Instagram @maryfgualandriauthor.