by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Today, I’m looking at another common myth: the solitary writer.
I’m thinking this one dates back to the days of Louisa May Alcott and earlier. I remember Jo and her “writer’s garret” where she would work. And, of course, we have Virginia Woolf with “A Room of One’s Own.”
That’s not to say it’s important to have some dedicated time and a space to write. But it may have more with having people respect those things than it is having a particular spot and time.
It can be helpful to write in a quiet spot by yourself. But sometimes, that quiet space at home is going to manage to remind you that the dishwasher needs to be unloaded, the laundry folded, and meals started. Sometimes I find that I can get the most done by working around others. There’s something about sitting in a library or a coffee shop among other people working on different things that can be motivating.
I think this isolation myth extends beyond a physical space. The life of a writer is often thought to be solitary in other ways. After all, many writers are introverts and observers. We can be more comfortable when we’re looking at the world through a lens.
Nothing exists in a vacuum, though. And writers do better, I believe, as part of a community.
The best things about the writing community to me are the support it offers and the information and resources it brings to the table. I wouldn’t have been able to get as far in my career today if it hadn’t been for the support of my blogging friends and mentors early in the process.
Where can you find your writing community? There are plenty of places online. There’s a great community at the Insecure Writers’ Support Group. There is also a great community of writers on YouTube (you can check out writing sprints here). Plus, there are plenty of writing groups on Facebook.
Maybe, like most everything, it’s important to balance out the quiet moments with the community.
Are you engaged in the writing community? How has it helped you as a writer?
Writing Myth: The Solitary Writer: Share on X
A community gives you support and motivation – thanks for mentioning the IWSG!
And I can ignore unloading the dishwasher with the best of them…
The IWSG is a great one!
Those dishwashers can wait, ha!
I'm in a critique group that has been meeting on Zoom since COVID. We used to meet in person, but we meet more regularly this way. My critique partners always have good suggestions and help me feel not so alone. And of course, the IWSG is a wonderful community. I'm so glad I'm a part of it.
It’s great to have the convenience of a Zoom crit group, Natalie!
I definitely rely on the writing community, Elizabeth. So much help, good advice, and commiseration. Networking is important, and so are all of the other vital social connections we have with each other. That said, it is good to have space to oneself, quiet time, and so on. I think that's especially true for people who are natural introverts.
That’s definitely how we recharge!
I have selective needs for community. I've found it helpful to commiserate with other writers about the challenges we run into as we write, but I don't want to talk to anyone about my story until it's written, even if I hit a wall, and I learned the hard way that feedback on drafts as I go isn't helpful for me (but after it's drafted that's a different story).
I would go crazy if I had to write in isolation!
I totally agree! I’m always super vague whenever anyone answers. (“Oh, I’m working on a Southern Quilting mystery.”) I don’t use crit groups, either, but lean on my betas!
Hi Elizabeth – I'm happy being alone, but then no husband, kids, – makes for a quiet place. Getting up and down gives me time to think about things – where as in a place full of others would (does) drive me nutty! But one does need to be part of a community … the IWSG is great, as too the blogging community – my wave-length is somewhat different to other peoples around here … but it's all good. Cheers Hilary
You’re out and about a lot, though! Museums, galleries, talks. You get lots of inspiration!
I wouldn't be a writer without the online writing community!
When I first thought that I could maybe possibly somehow be a writer I stumbled across Agent Query & its forum Agent Query Connect. I learned so much from that forum (which is no longer there).
Now, the IWSG takes the place of that forum, keeping me connected with others (which is easier for me online than in person). It's a great community!
I’d heard about Agent Query ending and was sorry to hear it! I’d sent lots of querying writers that way.
Some of my very best friends are writers I met online..;through the IWSG! A few of us go back over a decade. We have gone through life and books together. Community is definitely a must!
It’s such an asset to any writer!