As we know, writing is a very lonely affair.  But that doesn’t mean you need to embark on this journey completely alone.

Writing Buddies can be an important part of ensuring our success as writers.

Part of the reason we love the Spalding MFA program so much is the sense of community. This community gives us support, advice, help, and a sense of security.  It’s important to find a similar feeling even after graduation.

Here are a few places (in addition to our Alumni Association) where you can find a writing buddy.

Why you need a writing buddy

1. Shared motivation. They say you are as successful as those around you.  If you have a writing buddy you will be pushed to accomplish your goals.
2. Editing Help. It’s important to have another set of eyes on your writing, but you need to be strategic about what kind of eyes. A trained writer will know what to look for and what kind of helpful feedback to give. Some well-meaning “nonwriters” might give you help that isn’t actually helpful however well intentioned.
3. Offering Support. When you start rambling about a character flow, or your frustration that the plot won’t work, or just that you’re tired of staring at words on a page. Another writer can understand your frustration and might know what to say to you to help.
4. Accountability. Whether your body is actually checking up on your progress, or just the “threat” of them checking, another person invested in your work will push you to reach your goals.
5. Sharing Resources.  Another writer might hear of a new book, a new conference, a new idea that you can in turn learn about.  Away from writing buddies you could become isolated.
6. Brainstorming. Just having a person to talk about your ideas with is a great resource.
7. Practice Run. At some point you’ll work with editors and agents (or you already do). This writing buddy relationship will help get you ready for receiving criticism and meeting deadlines.

 

Where to Find A Writing Buddy

MFA Alumni Association

Good Reads

Facebook Groups

• Binders full of…(many different groups, look through ones that fit you)
• The Write Life Community
• Calls for Submissions
• Indie Author Group
• Indie Writers Unite!
• Smart Passive Income Kindle Group
• Blogging Boost
• Write On! Online
• Fiction Writers Group
• Children’s Authors and Illustrators on Facebook
• Writers Write
• Writers Helping Writers
• Writers World
• NaNoWriMo Participants
• 10 Minute Novelists
• Women Writers, Women’s Books
• The Aspiring Travel Writer 

Twitter

Search the hashtags:

• #amwriting
• #amediting
• #wordcount
• #writerswednesday
• #Writerslife
• #YALitChat
• #MemoirChat
• #BookMarket
• #ScriptChat
• #PoetTues
• #ZineChat
• #WritingParty
• #IndieAuthors
• #WriteChat
• #NaNoWriMo
• #WANA (We Are Not Alone)
• PBLitChat

Meetup

Search for “Critique group” “Writing group” or similar to find groups within a set radius of your location.

Online Critique Groups

1. Absolute Write Water Cooler
2. Agent Query Connect
3. Critique Circle
4. critique.org Workshops
5. The Desk Drawer
6. Inked Voices
7. Kingdom Writers
8. Ladies Who Critique
9. Mystery Writers Forum
10. Nathan Bransford’s Forums
11. Quantum Muse
12. Scribophile

Writing Organizations

1. American Christian Fiction Writers
2. Erotica Readers and Writers Association
3. Historical Novel Society
4. International Women’s Writing Guild 
5. Mystery Writers of America
6. National Association of Memoir Authors
7. Pacific Northwest Writers Association
8. Romance Writers of America
9. Sisters in Crime
10. Small Publishers, Artists, and Writers Network (SPAWN)
11. Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI)
12. Western Writers of America

 

If you’re ready to get yourself a writing buddy, head over to our Alumni Facebook group and post your need.   We can help each other out to reach our goals