Finding Your Tribe

I am sitting in my writing den with the dog lying under the desk, doing 1st edits of book two of my forthcoming trilogy, The Birchwood Series, while book 1 is having the final edits done. It is just the dog and I. Much as I enjoy writing and her company, the walls can seem to close in after several hours tapping on the keyboard. An afternoon walk is often punctuated with passing greetings with other dog owners, but it is transitory and limited to dog-talk.

Most of us like some time to ourselves, but we also value the company of others, especially if we have things in common or live alone. In the church, we call it fellowship. As I try to find a church to settle into, I am also discovering the local writing community to see where I fit in there, too. Finding your ‘tribe’ is not only good for the soul but helps creatively too, but picking the right FB group, online forum, or people to follow on social media or a face-to-face writers’ group can take time.

As I look at my own network, I see a wide range of personalities, professionals within the publishing industry, readers, and writers most of whom I have never actually met in person, yet we all have a bond in our passion for things writterly. A friendly online chat, information, mutual encouragement along with the occasional debate, can brighten up a day or inspire you.

Equally important to receiving is giving back to those you connect with. You may have occupational experience or training, which could help another writer in their research. Provide suggestions for that thorny plot-hole or simply supporting someone during a rough patch. Knowing there are people out there who understand and care about the same things you do as a writer means, like being part of a church fellowship, you are never truly alone.

 

A former vicar and community worker, Sheelagh is freelance writer and blogger living in the northeast. You can find out more about Sheelagh here