Three ways to find your writing people wherever you go

One of the best thing we can do as writers is have a tribe of other writers with whom we can share our work, pass on tips, and above all, talk us down off the ledge when we’re working through a difficult plot twist or managing a recalcitrant character.

After making several moves from one place to another over the past 20 years, I’ve found some good ways to “find my people,” wherever I go.

Whether you’re new to your community or not, if you’re looking for a writing pal or two or three, consider these ways of connecting.

1. Attend a poetry reading or open mic event to read your work and hear other writers read theirs.

2. Look in the newspaper for notices of community groups and events. Writer’s groups often post notices about their meetings in event calendars. You’ll also find like-minded people at poetry or author readings at libraries and bookstores.

3. Volunteer at the library or through a literacy nonprofit. These organizations usually attract writerly types and volunteering is a great way to make new friends by meeting people who care about the same issues as you.

If you’ve moved to a new city, finding your people is not only a good way to hook into the local writing community, it’s a great way to make friends and ease the transition of moving to a new place. You’ll have an immediate pool of resources to point you to the best restaurants, referrals for doctors, and other stuff you might need to know to get acclimated in your new home.

As it turns out, the same moves that connect you to your writing compatriots also offer career enhancing benefits. For more networking ideas and a list of writing organizations, read this post about connecting with other writers.