Most writers agree that writing is a solitary, and often lonely, business. Whether they are researching or writing fiction, nonfiction or poetry, writers spend a great deal of time inside their own heads and on the computer. Having other writers to offer support and even friendship can help a writer stay focused, motivated and encouraged. How can a writer find emotional support and friendship with other writers who understand the job they have?

Online Writing Support Forums

If you are web-savvy, there are several online sites that offer support, encouragement and socialization to writers. If you write for specific websites (for example – Associated Content, Demand Studios, Constant Content), many have forums and web communities where you can interact with other writers. Most often, these forums are tailored to information about the specific website, but they might also include areas for general socialization among writers.

There are other sites and networks available that are not attached to specific writing sites but instead offer support, information on writing markets and contests, critiques, and frequently a chance to let down your hair by just “hanging out.”

Sites such as accentuatewritersforum.com, writersbeat.com and writerscafe.org offer this kind of support to writers of any genre and level of experience.

Real Life Writing Support

As a writer myself, I have found it difficult to share some of my shiny moments and my frustrations with non-writers. Family members don’t always understand or care about page views, writer’s block, queries, assignments or other writing-related issues.

I have always been a solitary writer, but I have longed for friendship and encouragement from others who share the same interest and need to put pen to paper or finger to keyboard. Local writer’s guilds can often be found by contacting community colleges or universities in your area. While I have been involved in the writer’s guild sponsored by the local community college in the past, it was not as personal as I wished.

A few months ago, I discovered a gold mine of writing support at my fingertips. Through normal conversation, I discovered that one of my newer friends enjoyed writing in the past and wanted to try shaking off the dust to start writing again. This spurred writing discussions between us and it wasn’t long before I found out that yet another friend enjoyed writing, then another and yet another. It seems several of us had gravitated toward each other without realizing we had a common interest in writing.

This past summer, these friends and I decided to get together to discuss our writing and brainstorm some ideas. We enjoyed it so much and appreciated the motivation, encouragement and support that we decided to get together weekly. Those weekly meetings have evolved into writing support, goal sharing, accountability, encouragement and deep friendship through which we share aspects of our personal lives with each other and count the days until our next meeting.

We have challenged each other to expand our writing through flash fiction prompts. This has encouraged each of us to stretch our writing talents to encompass genres we haven’t previously tried. We have shared writing opportunities and insights on making the most of our time and our resources to reach our writing goals.

Some of these ladies I have known for awhile but our passion for writing had never come up in conversation. With that in mind, a writer will never know where a kindred spirit lurks and it pays to explore the possibility that current friends may be an untapped source of writing support.

Social Networking Sites

Many writers – myself included – have found great support, encouragement and fun from social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. Social networking is a great way to connect with other writers. I have been able to form friendships with online writers, get feedback on my published work and even discover leads and opportunities for writing projects.

The key to receiving writing support through social networking sites is to participate, socialize and offer your own support to other writers. The friendships formed and the motivation that will be instilled is worth the effort.

Instant Messaging and Online Writer Friends

Instant messaging (IM) has allowed many writers access to other writers who can offer advice, understanding and even constructive criticism. I have a number of online writer friends with whom I chat and IM. The instant access with this avenue of communication has allowed me to contact online friends and ask for an opinion or a quick critique of something I have written. I have also found it is a useful method for venting sudden frustrations with websites and publications I write for as well as discussing ideas and other common interests.

Final Thoughts

For the writer who is looking for friendship and encouragement from other writers, there are a number of ways to gain and maintain support. I personally use a combination of all of these methods and have found a wonderful group of writers – both in real life and online – who have helped me in many ways. Try on one or all of these support options for size – you might be surprised at how well the motivation and improvement fits.