Writing is, by nature, a somewhat solitary and isolating profession. That said, we’ve talked before in this blog about the importance of networking with other writers and getting suggestions, encouragement, and advice from actual peers. But, where do we go to find other freelance writers to add to our sphere of influence?
Web sites like this one are a good place to start. There are many online communities and forums dedicated to the world of freelance writing and, depending on your writing work and other interests–you will likely be able to find others who are working in a similar field or doing the same type of writing.
You can also check out writer’s groups and classes in your town or community. Even in rather small towns, there are usually groups for writers to get together, share their own work, work on projects, and tackle problems of editing and publishing together. Look in your local newspaper or community news pages for starters. You might also check with your local library, community college, adult education center or university to see if they have information about writer’s groups.
The education piece brings me to the possibility of taking classes to meet other writers. Look for writing workshops or classes being offered in your community or city as another good place to meet and network with other writers. You don’t have to attend an expensive writer’s retreat (although that CAN be a fabulous way to not only meet other writers, but have some time to focus in on your writing work), but can try something smaller and more local to touch base with writers who are living right in your neck of the woods.
If you can’t find an existing writer’s group, why not start your own? Posting a notice at the library and in the community news or pages of your newspaper–not to mention local online community news pages–may generate enough interest to start your own organization of freelance writers, giving individuals a chance to meet, network, and support each other’s work.