or, Sometimes All You Need is a Tall Glass of Water - How writing communities can be a magic, invisible elixir to help motivate you and make writing fun.
I’m new to writing communities. I cautiously sought out involvement with NOWW and then Laughing Fox and now numerous sub-groups within those. They have made an enormous difference to my writing practice. I no longer feel as though I am tapping into the wilderness. The sense of community has provided an overwhelming positive to my writing, to my wellbeing to my sense of belonging. Your article provides part of that sense of community. Thank you!
Thank *you*! You're a big part of what keeps NOWW running!
Writing communities do help sense of belonging, doesn't it? I'm not sure I stressed that enough in the post. Many writers are introverts (I certainly am), and finding like-minded others helps me come out of my shell a bit. That confidence in real life translates to confidence on the page, too.
I’ve never seen Community. In the Friends world, I’m outwardly Monica, but behind that persona I’m all Phoebe.
For a writing couple, Roy and I never talked about writing all that much. But I’ve also never had to explain or justify why writing looks like going for a walk or laying pages out on the dining room table or flipping through random (or specific) books. There’s something affirming in that, too.
So yep, community—colleagues. They can be so helpful.
You’ve been a big part of helping regional writers find each other, Graham, and we’re all the better for it.
Well, thanks for that, Marion! I do try to help other writers connect.
I've read fairly extensively about Joan Didion, who was married to the writer John Gregory Dunne. They were each other's first reader, and writing partners for various movies including The Panic in Needle Park. They too had a little place overlooking the water. I can see the benefits of being married to a writer - not least of which being that my significant other would have a better understanding of how I could be physically present in a room, but mentally on the shores of Bantry Bay...
I think I'm a Chandler, but I wish I was a Joey and fear that I'm a Ross.
Great to be a part of your community!
lol - likewise!
I’m new to writing communities. I cautiously sought out involvement with NOWW and then Laughing Fox and now numerous sub-groups within those. They have made an enormous difference to my writing practice. I no longer feel as though I am tapping into the wilderness. The sense of community has provided an overwhelming positive to my writing, to my wellbeing to my sense of belonging. Your article provides part of that sense of community. Thank you!
Thank *you*! You're a big part of what keeps NOWW running!
Writing communities do help sense of belonging, doesn't it? I'm not sure I stressed that enough in the post. Many writers are introverts (I certainly am), and finding like-minded others helps me come out of my shell a bit. That confidence in real life translates to confidence on the page, too.
I’ve never seen Community. In the Friends world, I’m outwardly Monica, but behind that persona I’m all Phoebe.
For a writing couple, Roy and I never talked about writing all that much. But I’ve also never had to explain or justify why writing looks like going for a walk or laying pages out on the dining room table or flipping through random (or specific) books. There’s something affirming in that, too.
So yep, community—colleagues. They can be so helpful.
You’ve been a big part of helping regional writers find each other, Graham, and we’re all the better for it.
Well, thanks for that, Marion! I do try to help other writers connect.
I've read fairly extensively about Joan Didion, who was married to the writer John Gregory Dunne. They were each other's first reader, and writing partners for various movies including The Panic in Needle Park. They too had a little place overlooking the water. I can see the benefits of being married to a writer - not least of which being that my significant other would have a better understanding of how I could be physically present in a room, but mentally on the shores of Bantry Bay...
I think I'm a Chandler, but I wish I was a Joey and fear that I'm a Ross.
🤣