How to find (real) writing buddies

Writing is very lonely.

Like, sure, I talk to various voices all day long and let them lead me through a story. But physically, and actually, I am most often alone.

Writing wouldn’t work if we weren’t alone with those voices. Most of the time, writing has to be a lonely task.

That said, there’s nothing more important than finding like-minded friends, especially when the road is so long, and dark, and full of question marks.

So, how can you find friends who are writers online? Are they as elusive as they seem?

use social media

Look, I am, now, no spring chicken.

When I started looking for writing companions on the interwebs, God was just a boy. That said, social media was in its infancy, and it was a pretty great place to find people! It’s only gotten better over the years.

There’s a lot of downtime in publishing. You’ll find many writers, authors, and the like waiting out an eternity of edits on social media. And then there are people like me, just blatantly avoiding writing… Search for common hashtags like #amwriting and #writingcommunity on your platform of choice, and you’ll find plenty of friendly writers.

Recently, my favourite book-ish haunt has become Threads. I’ve found a lot of people writing, reading, and editing on there!

bonus points

Every year, I participate in the National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo). I do not know for sure, but I think this is a little like the Kentucky Derby of writing. More research is required on my part into Kentucky and derbies.

Anyway, the beauty of this event isn’t just the challenge of writing 50,000 words in a month but the community it brings together! By hanging out with my region on Nanowrimo’s website, I’ve met some of the most supportive and inspiring writing buddies of all time. Sharing the collective aim of completing our novels, cheering each other on during word sprints, and discussing our stories has made November one of my favourite months of the year. If you’re looking for friends who are as passionate about writing as you are, Nanowrimo is a treasure trove.

Find your discord gang

Look, when I first found Discord (and possibly because, see above, I am almost sort of old), I did not entirely get it.

I took one glance at a chat and declared it too much like Slack, and whistled my way out of there.

Here’s the thing: Discord is actually great! I have eaten my Slack-covered words and returned to many a chat with my tail between my legs. I was wrong. It is absolutely brimming with friendship.

Discord has become my go-to platform for the kind of immediate response you only need at 1 a.m. after an intense writing session, during which you become convinced you are either insane or a genius. It is that kind of supportive place.

There are countless writing servers where writers from all over the world gather to chat, share resources, and support one another. The sense of community I’ve felt in these chats is **chef’s kiss**.

Put the feelers out

Kids, you gotta put the vibes out there to make friends.

If you want to find a friend locally, online, or otherwise, just ask! Do a quick Google search of local writing groups if you’d like an in-person friend, or join your region in Nanowrimo to discover like-minded people. The first step is saying you want a writing buddy.