Connect: Writing Communities, Groups & Events
- Deborah Ann Martin
- Oct 23
- 5 min read
Writing is often pictured as a solo act: just you, your thoughts, and a blinking cursor. And sure, some parts of it are deeply personal. But the truth is, no writer truly thrives in isolation. Whether you're drafting your first poem or publishing your third book, having the right people around you can make all the difference.
This stage is all about connection. It’s about finding your people, those who get the highs and lows of the writing life. The ones who cheer for your wins, challenge you to grow, and remind you you’re not in this alone. Writers need community just as much as we need coffee, structure, or good lighting. And the beautiful part? That community can be found anywhere, if you’re open to it.
Because yes—writing starts with you. But growing as a writer? That takes others.
Why Community Matters in the Writing Journey
Connecting with other writers brings more than just social interaction.
It offers:
Accountability – It’s easier to write when someone’s checking in.
Feedback – A kind, thoughtful critique group can help your work shine.
Inspiration – Hearing what others are working on can spark fresh ideas.
Opportunities – Collaborations, job leads, contests, and event invites often come from your network.
Belonging – Writing is vulnerable. Having people who “get it” keeps you from quitting when it gets hard.
Ideas grow when shared – Brainstorming with others often leads to breakthroughs.
Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, new or seasoned, a virtual or an in-person community is for you.
Where You Can Connect (Right Here!)
At Surviving Life Lessons, we believe in helping life strugglers by connecting them with life survivors—including writers who’ve been through what you’re now facing.
Here’s what we offer through our site:
Journal Prompts Weekly: Each blog in The Writing Life includes themed journaling prompts in The Prompt Corner. These are designed to help you grow personally and creatively.
Our Writing Groups: We offer private writing group spaces where you can connect with others, share your work, and find encouragement. Join us for ongoing writing challenges and reflections.
Mini Guided Journals: You’ll find printable workbooks and journaling tools throughout the blog series—whether you’re healing from a breakup, starting over, or chasing a new dream.
Supportive Challenges: From month-long journaling to poetry prompts, we offer ways to help you stay consistent with your writing practice—even if you’re busy or overwhelmed.
You don’t need to go searching—we’re building this space for you.
Beyond This Website: Broader Writing Communities to Explore
1. Online and Local Writing Groups
Join genre-specific communities on Scribophile, Shut Up & Write, or Facebook Groups
Attend local library or bookstore writing meetups
Try free writing sprints or critique pods online
If a group doesn’t feel like a good fit, don’t give up—your people are out there.
2. Writing Challenges
Regular challenges help writers stay inspired and disciplined:
NaNoWriMo (November): 50,000 words in 30 days
Camp NaNoWriMo (Spring & Summer): Set-your-own-goal version
30-Day Journaling Series (on this site): Watch for themed challenges designed to grow confidence, heal, or develop your story
Join one or start your own in our writing community.
3. Conferences & Events
Whether virtual or in person, conferences offer high-level learning and real-world connections.
Consider:
Writer’s Digest Conference
Nonfiction Writers Conference
SCBWI for children’s writers
Your local university, library, or indie bookstore—many host free writing workshops
4. Author Support Networks & Promotion-Focused Groups
When you’re ready to move from writer to author, these paid groups and coaching services offer targeted help:
Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi): A vetted network offering legal help, book promotion support, and indie author education
Book Launchers: Offers services to promote nonfiction and self-published books, including their Author Accelerator Kit
Author Accelerator: Personalized book coaching and writing support
HopeWriters: A gentle, faith-based writing community with marketing and craft resources
These may not be right for every writer—but they can make a big difference if you’re ready to treat your writing like a career.
5. Social Media and Forums
Engage with the broader writing world through:
Reddit’s r/writing
Threads & Instagram writing challenges
Just remember to spend more time creating than scrolling.
A Note from Me: How Community Helped Me Keep Going
No one close to me reads my books or blogs. I’ve written poetry most of my life, and unless I wrapped a poem in a gift or tucked it into a special note, no one really paid attention. Writing can feel invisible. Most days, when I sit down to write these blog posts, it’s just me, some quiet music, a soft light, and a couple of sleeping dogs nearby. And yet—I keep writing. Because if even one person reads something I’ve written and feels seen, helped, or less alone… then it’s worth it. But the truth is, I often don’t know unless someone comments.
I’m honest with you here because the reality is—this hasn’t been easy. I’ve panicked while learning things I never thought I could do. I had no idea how to format a blog or set up a site when I started. I used to spend hours obsessing over every detail, trying to get it perfect. Now? I let tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT help with the polishing so I can focus on sharing the message.
Why am I telling you all this? Because even though I’m doing the work, I still need people. I need a community of writers—groups like Book Launchers and the Alliance of Independent Authors—to share what I don’t know, celebrate my wins, and remind me I’m not doing this alone. My family doesn’t really get what I do, and that’s okay—they have their own lives. But I still need a connection. I still need encouragement. And chances are… so do you.
The Prompt Corner
The Prompt Corner is to explore your connection with the writing world:
When was the last time someone encouraged your writing? How did it feel?
Write about a time you felt lonely or stuck in your writing journey.
What kind of writing group would feel safe and inspiring to you?
If you had to host a virtual writing event, what would the theme be?
How can you take one step this week to connect with another writer?
You never know what could come from showing up. Try one or all—your next step starts with one word.
Free & Paid Tools to Support Your Writing
Here are some tools and communities to explore if you’re looking to build your writing network:
Scribophile – Critique-based writing community
NaNoWriMo – Global community for writing challenges
Book Launchers – Book marketing services for indie authors
Alliance of Independent Authors – Membership for indie authors with marketing and legal help
Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support our website at no extra cost to you. Want more tools? Check out the full list in the Resources tab of our site.
Want more tools? Check out the full list of writing resources on the resource page on our website.
Write with Us: Financial Tools for Your Business
You were never meant to do this alone. That’s why we’ve built a space here at Surviving Life Lessons—not just for writing, but for sharing, connecting, and encouraging each other as we go.
Join our groups. Download a journal page. Try a prompt. Start slow—but start somewhere.
Next week, we’ll dive into Step 12: Amplify – Ads, Media & Book Promotion and talk about how to get more eyes on your words in authentic, non-overwhelming ways.
Until then, find your people. Write with them. Grow together.
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