A few years ago, I learned a hard lesson about writing alone. As an introvert, I tend to keep my words close to the chest until they feel “ready” to share (if they ever make it there). However, I became lost and discouraged in my draft, not knowing how to fix it and get it “ready” but understanding that something was wrong that I couldn’t see. After many wasted hours tweaking a story that just wasn’t working, I realized that the attitude of “I must do this by myself until my book is perfect” was actually harming my writing journey. I needed a community of other writers for encouragement, feedback, and empathy.

I decided I needed help. I needed outside eyes on my story but I had no writing support and no clue where to start. Luckily, I turned to the #WritingCommunity on Twitter and found Emily. As a critique partner, she gave me the external eyes, motivation, and feedback I needed to revitalize my passion for writing and improve my story. I learned just how powerful community is and how much I needed it to become the writer I am meant to be.

Two Lessons the Writing Community Taught Me

Through working with my critique partner and writing community, I learned two things:

It is impossible to write a good book by yourself.

You cannot see the holes in your own story. As much as you think you can perfectly draft and edit by yourself, you miss a very important dynamic when you write in isolation: readers. Your story is probably crystal clear in your head, but if you want the words you write to translate for other people, you need other people to read your work. Outside eyes catch missing information and areas for improvement you will never catch on your own. Getting feedback from other writers who understand craft and can support your skill gaps as you draft is the best kind of writing support.

Writing a book is physically and emotionally draining.

It takes so much time and effort to write a book. It takes immense levels of creativity and perseverance to finish a draft, and it is hard. Writing by yourself makes it exponentially harder. You need a cheerleader, a partner, a listener to get you through the ups and downs. A community that understands your journey is not only an emotional and creative boon, but is invaluable to improving your writing.

Find Community and Support

I am a hardcore introvert, especially on the internet. It took me a long time to finally realize that I needed community, and then even longer to actually take steps to find it. If you’re like me, the thought of reaching out to people, especially strangers, fills you with dread. It seems much easier to just keep trudging forward by yourself. It is not. Don’t let fear or hesitation stop you. It’s time to build your writing community and never write alone again.

Here’s are three ways to find community and support as you write:

1. Find a writing group or online community.

There are so many writing support opportunities out there just waiting for you to join them. These groups and communities provide the understanding, feedback, and encouragement you need to become the writer you are meant to be. From free groups on social media to paid memberships, you can absolutely find a community that helps you through the ups and downs of the writing process. In fact, because we believe so strongly in the power of community, Emily and I created a community for #StoryNerds called Tenacious Writers Society. As a group, we are dedicated to helping one another level up our stories and skills.

TO-DO: Look for the type of connection that works best for you, whether that’s big groups or small groups. Search for writing groups on Facebook or other social media networks. Frequent the #WritingCommunity hashtag on Instagram or Twitter. Join writing chats where you can connect through different discussion topics. Subscribe to a more intimate and focused writing community like Tenacious Writers Society. Remember, you’re looking for an active community who can write with you, give you feedback as you write, help you learn and improve your skills, and encourage you or hold you accountable. Be brave and step out of your comfort zone!

2. Find a critique partner or writing group.

Writing in isolation is the problem. Fixing it means sharing your work with others openly and often. As hard as that may sound for you (like it does for me!) it’s so important. A critique partner and/or a writing group will write and exchange chapters with you for mutual feedback and encouragement. You’ll have that outside pair of eyes on your story during the actual writing process, which is invaluable to helping you reach your full potential.

TO-DO: Search for CPs or writing groups in online communities, like Facebook pages on writing, or the Twitter #WritingCommunity, and ask for others interested in critique partners. Share first chapters to see if you’re a good fit on genre and feedback type. If not, politely pass and keep searching! It is so much better to find a CP or group that meshes with your style than struggle to connect with someone who is not a good fit. Tenacious Writers Society matches writers with other members who will be a good fit and provides training to teach you how to succeed in a writing partnership.

3. Find a book coach and/or editor.

Book coaches and editors provide professional and often personalized guidance. Like a critique partner, a book coach works with you 1:1 on a frequent schedule to help you improve page by page. An editor will provide a comprehensive overview of where your finished draft needs improvement for you to implement on your own during revisions. In both options you’ll find writing support, but if you’re looking for frequent feedback that is focused on teaching you to be a better writer, a book coach is probably the better choice.