The Power of Community for Writers

via Wix

me and my husband :)

Writing is an inherently solo pursuit, but it doesn't have to be a lonely one. Creating a good community and support structure for yourself is one of the most important things you do as a creative. This is something I've been fortunate enough to learn the easy way, so although I've included my three best tips, today's post will be a little different from my usual how-to guides.

Today, I'm writing a love letter.

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Create community with different people.

on a trail in Northern Arizona

Some people get hung up on the idea that writers should mostly have writer friends. My husband is not a writer -- he's actually a botanist. Although he's a huge reader and can sketch from sight better than I can, he has a scientist's mind, not an artist's.

While it might seem like a scientist can't do much to help a writer's work, I've found that the opposite is true! Talking about my stories with him leads to more depth and understanding, because he asks different questions and notices different things than I do. It's because we are different that we can learn from and strengthen each other.

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Critique each other.

I made him try on my glasses hehe

This may sound a little controversial, but hear me out. Critiquing each other isn't about pointing out everything the other person is doing wrong. It's about setting aside time to give each other honest, thorough feedback on your projects.

The key here is to communicate exactly how much feedback you want and what you want it on. My husband does an amazing job of approaching my work with a hugely supportive mindset, and doesn't try to start by giving me suggestions. When I do ask for feedback, he takes his time and talks it through with me. Suggestions are never about what he personally doesn't like about a piece; it's always about helping me communicate what I'm trying to say.

(Pro tip: If you're worried about offering criticism, try the compliment sandwich as a framework to get you started in your feedback-giving journey)

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Return the favor.

at my dad's wedding

The thing about community is that it goes both ways. If you want to have a village, you need to be a villager.

Because my husband is such a scientist at heart, there are moments when he needs someone with an artistic brain to help him out. I love doing things like proofreading his emails* or sitting with him when he's sad** because it's a way that I can use my talents to help him in his world, the same way he does for me.

*just because a word is accurate doesn't mean it's the best choice ;)

**sometimes you don't need a solution, just someone to bear witness <3

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I love my husband. Even though he's not a creative writer himself, his support and outside expertise have taught me so much and made me a better writer. It's so much easier to pour your sou into your projects when you have a community cheering you on, and my husband is the greatest community member I could ask for.

Send this to someone you're grateful for <3