I have met other writers through a professional organization (WFWA) and while attending a conference. I put myself out there, did tons of page exchanges, joined two formal critique groups through WFWAs matching program, requested a mentor and then later offered to be a mentor, joined committees, talked with people at conferences, offered…
I have met other writers through a professional organization (WFWA) and while attending a conference. I put myself out there, did tons of page exchanges, joined two formal critique groups through WFWAs matching program, requested a mentor and then later offered to be a mentor, joined committees, talked with people at conferences, offered to beta read for them, made IG connections, and more.
From all that, I have about four writer friends that I chat with on a daily or weekly basis and would feel 100% okay contacting if something urgent came up. About 8 more I work with on a specific project and know if I ask them to read they’ll give insightful, genre appropriate feedback. And way more than that in general connections.
I’ve also worked with a lot of people whom I would not work with again! I’ve been polite and done my best and moved on. I’ve also hung around a lot of people who were friendly but had their own stuff and didn’t include me. Again… moving on.
So basically, there was no easy answer or group that magically formed around me. But I do believe, if you do your best for other people and keep showing up, that’s how to find genuine connections.
I have met other writers through a professional organization (WFWA) and while attending a conference. I put myself out there, did tons of page exchanges, joined two formal critique groups through WFWAs matching program, requested a mentor and then later offered to be a mentor, joined committees, talked with people at conferences, offered to beta read for them, made IG connections, and more.
From all that, I have about four writer friends that I chat with on a daily or weekly basis and would feel 100% okay contacting if something urgent came up. About 8 more I work with on a specific project and know if I ask them to read they’ll give insightful, genre appropriate feedback. And way more than that in general connections.
I’ve also worked with a lot of people whom I would not work with again! I’ve been polite and done my best and moved on. I’ve also hung around a lot of people who were friendly but had their own stuff and didn’t include me. Again… moving on.
So basically, there was no easy answer or group that magically formed around me. But I do believe, if you do your best for other people and keep showing up, that’s how to find genuine connections.