8 Practical Tips to Build Strong Connections with Writers

Published on 1 August 2023 7 min read

Attend writing workshops and seminars
Join writing groups and forums
Engage with writers on social media
Offer to review other writers' work
Collaborate on writing projects
Attend book launches and signings
Ask for writing advice and feedback
Support other writers’ work

Whether you're a seasoned author or just dipping your toes into the sea of words, building connections with fellow writers is a surefire way to enrich your writing journey. That's why we've put together these eight practical tips on how to build connections with writers. Let's dive in, shall we?

Attend Writing Workshops and Seminars

The first step to building connections with writers? Surround yourself with them! And where better to find a group of like-minded individuals than writing workshops and seminars. Not only will you have the chance to learn from established authors, but you'll also meet fellow writers who are in the same boat as you.

Here's how you can make the most out of these events:

Be open and friendly: The writing world is full of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. So, don't be shy! Strike up a conversation, share your writing journey, and you might just find your next writing buddy.
Take notes and participate: These events are treasure troves of knowledge. Make sure you're soaking it all in. Ask questions, share your thoughts, and don't forget to jot down any interesting ideas or concepts. This not only helps you grow as a writer but also shows others that you're serious about your craft.
Follow up after the event: Met someone interesting? Don't let that connection go cold. Send a friendly email or message thanking them for the conversation and expressing interest in staying in touch. This simple act can be the start of a wonderful writing connection.

Remember, the goal here isn't to collect a bunch of business cards but to build genuine relationships. So, be yourself, be interested in others, and let the connections grow naturally. And who knows? The next time you're wondering how to build connections with writers, you might just find the answers in the seminar room.

Join Writing Groups and Forums

Another fantastic way to build connections with writers is by joining writing groups and forums. These platforms offer a space for writers of all levels to share their work, exchange ideas, and provide feedback to each other. Here's how you can maximize your experience:

Choose the right group: Not all writing groups are created equal. Some focus on specific genres, while others cater to writers at different stages of their journey. Take the time to find a group that aligns with your interests and goals. It's like finding the perfect writing family!
Be active: Don't just be a wallflower! Contribute to discussions, comment on other members' work, and post your own. The more you engage, the more others will get to know you, and the stronger your connections will become.
Give and take: One of the key benefits of writing groups is the opportunity to give and receive feedback. When you provide constructive criticism to others, you're not only helping them improve, but you're also honing your own editing skills. And when you receive feedback, you get fresh perspectives on your work, helping you to see and correct issues you might have missed.

By joining writing groups and forums, you're giving yourself the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of writers. And remember, the more you put into these groups, the more you'll get out, including valuable connections with other writers. So, if you're wondering how to build connections with writers, it might be time to join a group or two!

Social media isn't just for selfies and food photos — it's also a powerful tool for writers looking to build connections. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have vibrant writing communities just waiting for you to join. Here's how to do it:

Follow your favorite authors: Many authors use social media to engage with their readers. By following your favorites, you can get a glimpse into their writing process, learn about their upcoming work, and maybe even strike up a conversation!
Join writing hashtags: Hashtags like #WritingCommunity, #AmWriting, and #WritersLife are popular among writers on social media. They're a great way to find and connect with other writers. You might even come across some writing challenges that can help you improve your skills.
Share your own work: Don't be shy about sharing your writing on social media. It's a great way to get feedback, attract followers, and make connections with other writers. Just remember to be respectful of others' work and to accept criticism graciously.

Engaging with writers on social media can lead to meaningful connections that could enrich your writing journey. So go ahead, take that leap and start tweeting, posting, and sharing. Before you know it, you'll have a network of writer friends who can provide support, inspiration, and invaluable feedback. And that's how to build connections with writers in the digital age!

Offer to Review Other Writers' Work

Offering to review another writer's work can be a great way to establish a connection. It's a win-win situation: they get valuable feedback, and you get the chance to learn from their style and technique. Here's how to go about it:

Be honest, but tactful: When reviewing someone else's work, honesty is key. However, remember to deliver your critique in a kind and constructive manner. No one likes a harsh critic!
Take your time: If you're going to offer feedback, make sure it's well thought out. A rushed review won't be as helpful as one that's been carefully considered.
Offer praise as well as critique: Don't just focus on the negatives. Make sure to highlight the parts of the work you enjoyed or found particularly effective. This will make the writer feel appreciated and is more likely to open the door for future interactions.

By offering to review other writers' work, you're showing that you're invested in their success and are willing to take the time to help them improve. This is a powerful way to build strong and lasting connections in the writing community. So the next time you're wondering how to build connections with writers, why not offer a helping hand?

Collaborate on Writing Projects

Another fantastic way to build connections with writers is through collaboration. Working together on a project can lead to a deeper understanding of each other's strengths and writing styles, fostering a strong bond. Here's what you need to keep in mind:

Find a common interest: Collaboration works best when both parties are passionate about the project. Whether it's a genre, a theme, or a cause, finding that common ground is the first step.
Communicate clearly: As with any team effort, clear communication is vital. Be open about your ideas, your progress, and any challenges you're facing. This will help to prevent misunderstandings and keep the project on track.
Respect each other's work: Everyone has their own unique writing style. Respect this and try to learn from it rather than trying to change it. Remember, diversity can make the final product more engaging!

Collaborating on a writing project not only helps you to create something wonderful, but it can also lead to a lasting connection. Working together towards a common goal can create a bond that extends beyond the project itself. So, if you're wondering how to build connections with writers, why not start a joint venture?

Attend Book Launches and Signings

Book launches and signings are not just about grabbing the latest bestseller and getting it autographed. They are also prime opportunities for budding writers like you to network and build meaningful connections. Here's how you can make the most of these events:

Prepare Ahead: Before you attend, do a little homework. Read about the author and their work. This will give you a starting point for conversation, and show that you're genuinely interested.
Engage in Conversation: Don't be shy to strike up a conversation with the author. You can ask about their writing process, inspiration or even share your own writing journey. Remember, they were once in your shoes.
Connect with Other Attendees: The authors are not the only people you can connect with at these events. Other attendees are likely to be writers or lovers of literature. Make sure to interact with them, you never know who you might meet.

Attending book launches and signings is a proactive step in your journey of how to build connections with writers. It's an opportunity to meet established authors, learn from them, and also meet other aspiring writers. So, get out there and start networking!

Ask for Writing Advice and Feedback

Seeking advice and feedback is one of the most effective ways of building connections with writers. This not only improves your writing skills but also shows your willingness to learn and grow. Here's how you can do this effectively:

Be Open: To ask for advice, first, you need to be willing to accept criticism. Remember, every bit of feedback, whether positive or negative, is a stepping stone to becoming a better writer.
Ask Specific Questions: Instead of asking for general feedback, focus on specific aspects of your writing. This makes it easier for others to help you and shows that you’re serious about improving.
Return the Favor: If you ask for feedback, be ready to give it as well. This fosters mutual respect and establishes a strong connection.

Asking for writing advice and feedback, then, is a two-way street that not only hones your skills but also helps in building strong connections with writers. So, don't hesitate to seek help and return the favor when asked!

Support Other Writers’ Work

Supporting other writers' work is a key way to build connections in the writing community. So, how can you go about doing this?

Read Their Work: The first step to supporting other writers is by reading their work. This allows you to understand their style, get inspired, and provide meaningful feedback or engage in discussions about their work.
Buy Their Books: Buying books not only supports the writer financially but also shows your appreciation for their work. If you enjoyed a book, consider buying it as a gift for a friend or recommending it to others.
Spread the Word: Use social media to promote the work of writers you admire. Sharing a post or writing a review can go a long way in helping them reach a wider audience.

Remember, building connections with writers isn't just about what you can gain from the relationship. It's also about how you can support and contribute to the community. By showing genuine support for other writers, you're sure to build strong and meaningful connections.

If you enjoyed learning about building strong connections with writers and want to hone your own writing skills, be sure to check out Christina Wolfgram's workshop titled 'Everything You Need To Be A Skilled Writer.' This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to improve your writing and help you form meaningful connections with fellow writers.