The Importance of Finding Your People
Writing can be an incredibly lonely experience. The act of writing is solitary, after all. Most of a writer’s time is spent typing away on their keyboard, or jotting down ideas in a notebook. (With a daydream or two thrown in for good measure.)
But do you know what can help your writing even more? Other people. Receiving feedback is invaluable, as is brainstorming new ideas, or talking through issues in your story.
Though, finding a writing group can be easier said than done. I’m lucky enough to have IRL friends that write, but I was still looking for a larger community of writers at the same stage as me. (Revising a manuscript/preparing to query.)
In early 2022, I applied to Author Mentor Match (AMM). While I was not chosen to be a Mentee, I still felt like a winner because I joined an online writing community of fellow AMM hopefuls. For six months now we’ve kept our group going, and I’ve met some of the most amazing people through it! I can’t wait until our members start signing with agents and publishing their books. (With the amount of talent in the group, it’s only a matter of time.)
So, I leave you with this advice: put yourself out there. Apply to a mentorship program of two. But make sure you get to know other participants. Forge new relationship. I know it can be scary, but take it from me, you’ll be glad you did.