A writing community is a precious thing. I know, because neither this blog nor my books or short stories would be in this world without the strong and very generous community standing beside me each step of the way.
Recently, someone asked me how to be part of a supportive writing community.
The answer isn’t very complicated. Interact with generosity and kindness. Give more than you get. Appreciate kindness when you receive it. Value others’ time the same way you do yours.
In that spirit of things, today I’d like to thank a few of the friends of this blog who have been very supportive of my work, and maybe even make it a regular feature.
Anna Tan: I’ve met Anna on rare occasions, but her blog is one of my regular haunts. She is a great social media friend and has read and reviewed both my books, The Blue Bar and You Beneath Your Skin. She’s a talented writer, a huge supporter of the writing community where she lives, and her prolific Goodreads profile will show you her books you need to read!
Jacqui Murray: I’ve known Jacqui for years now, perhaps even a decade. We haven’t met in real life, but we’ve read each others’ work, and I’d like to think we’re each others’ writing community. She is a terrific writer who is also one of the most consistent commenters on Daily (w)rite. I don’t know where she finds all the hours in the day, but am so grateful she does. She writes fiction set in the pre-historic era, and her vivid settings and characters bring that time to life–for instance her fabulous Dawn of Humanity series–and the latest, Natural Selection, will be out soon!
Alex J Cavanaugh: The Ninja Cap’n, as he is known by the blog family (none of us have seen a picture of him, only his Ninja avatar in the graphic above), has been a consistent supporter of my writing and blog for more than a decade. We’ve guest-posted for each other, (here’s one of his, about creating suspense in a story), and I’m grateful for the writing community he’s created: the Insecure Writers Support Group. Check out all the books in his Cassa series–I’ve read and loved all of them.
Marian Allen: Marian is one of the pillars of my writing community, who I credit for my journey into fiction–it was her consistent encouragement and support of my flash fiction that gave me the courage to tackle short stories and novels. She’s also reviewed both my books. She’s a prolific, very talented author, kind and courageous as a person. You need to go support her work, here.
Elias McClellan: Elias has been a wonderful social media friend and book reviewer–consistent with his support and shout-outs despite difficult personal challenges. He’s been such a kind, generous presence in the writing community in general that he deserves all the cheers, always. Visit his blog to know more about him.
I think my friends are far kinder and much more generous than I deserve. I’ve often taken a hiatus and been missing in action in the last 14 years of life on this blog, but I’ve always been welcomed back by my community of blog and writing friends.
I clearly need to do more to champion work by friends and also focus on another aspect: listening more than I talk.
Really listen–that’s the best way to learn how to become a better writer and literary citizen. As a part of that I welcome communication from friends on social media, on this blog, and via emails, and try to support their work as much as I can. Life can get overwhelming, but it is always a joy to connect, learn from, and lean on, each other. Each month, I send out my free gazettes on writing advice and book recommendations, and exchange emails with so many literary citizens!
What are your tips on finding a supportive writing community? Who are the members of your writing community you’d like to give a shout-out to?
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My lit crime novel, The Blue Bar will be out soon with Thomas & Mercer. It is already available for preorders. Add it to Goodreads or pre-order it to make my day.
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Thanks Damyanti – this is great to read … and although I’m not writing for publication – I’m always so grateful to the blogging community … you’ve done them justice … appreciate them and you – cheers Hilary
I wonder why this one has taken, and yesterday’s on a later post didn’t – hence the email … colour me brainfogged, if that’s a phrase! Cheers Hilary
Thanks for being such an indefatigable supporter, Hilary. I appreciate your support more than you know over the decade we’ve known each other via our blogs and social media.
Thank you, so very much, for such a kind shout out, Sis. I am just a fan, truly humbled by your kindness.
Elias, you deserve all the shoutouts in the world. Sending you and your family so much love and healing vibes at this time.
The blogging community is one of the best parts of being a blogger 🙂 Thanks for telling us about your awesome community and giving back to them with the shoutouts here.
Christy, yes, the community is really about 85 % of the reason I’m here. I feel safe and supported. You’ve been a valued supporter of this site as well, and I’ve SO cherished some of your posts!
What a delight to read about your community – and what a lovely supportive way to give a little shout out of thanks. You’ve led me to a couple of new folks and I’m looking forward to checking out their blogs.
Thanks for stopping by, Deborah, and you’re a valued part of my community, too! Everyone I’ve linked to is worth the follow on their blogs and social media–I’m so glad I was able to introduce some of them to you!
Looks like you have a great team in place, D!
You’re a huge part of the team as well, Pam. As I hope, I am, of yours.
That was a nice tribute to your writing group 🙂
Thank you for being a huge part of my writing community as well, Ian. I hope to make this a repeated feature, and would love to give you a shout-out for all your support over the years. I hope more people read and love your stories, as I do.
I am super impressed at just how supportive of writers (and everyone else) the blogging community is.
Sue, you’re one of my favorite bloggers, and you have no idea how much I appreciate your regular visits!
You’ve covered all the important ways to becoming a part of a supportive writing community, Damyanti. I have nothing to add. Like you, the support I’ve received from the online writing community has been invaluable to me.
Thanks, Liz, and thank you for being such a regular supporter and visitor on this blog.
How kind of you! Yes, we are community–almost pack as my proto-dog would say! I love that we have a lot of overlap in our efriends as well as new folks to meet. That is another reason visiting your blog is fun.
Happy to be a pack with you–we do have so many common friends, and i enjoy that about your site, too!
The online writing community is amazing. Way back when a forum called #AgentQueryConnect existed and that’s where I learned that “real” people wrote books and so many other things. I found my first critique buddies there (still friends!) and found the confidence to believe that I could write a real book or 2! I will always be incredibly grateful to the anonymous AQCrew, Jean and Cali!
So good to hear you have this lovely bond with Jean and Cali! Feel free to share their work with us as well. Also, thank you for being such a wonderful support to me and my work!
Thanks, Damy! I’ve always enjoyed working with you over the years. Jacqui is a great choice – she is very involved in the writing community.
I’ve enjoyed working with you as well! Jacqui is wonderful as are the others. I think I’ll be making this a regular feature, a sort of monthly thanksgiving to my community–I have so many to thank, all the time, for so many kindnesses big and small.
Well-stated and congrats on “The Blue Bar.” Hope you have a great campaign.
Thank you, and I hope so. Good to have you drop by.