the craft. community matters.

I crave community in most things. I got a dog, I wanted to talk to other dog owners. I got a leadership role at work, I wanted to talk to other women leaders. Writing was no different. When I decided to foray onto the internet with my blog in 2013, I wanted to connect with other writers.

Two of the earliest writers I remember connecting with through the interwebs were GG Renee and Tyece Wilkins. They were phenomenal writers and I was such a fan of their respective works. I started to engage with their content organically and somewhere along the way, we forged a relationship that lifted us up off of the internet and into real life. Speaking at Blogalicious with them in 2018 is one of my favorite memories. (Even though I got hella sick, but side note.)

Then there was “When Pens Collide” in New York hosted by Sharee Hareford and Tassika Llyod and what happened that evening in the Bronx literally bonded a group of us forever. “The Nine Best Storytellers on the Internet,” was the moniker given to us that night.

At every turn, I’ve been collecting friends and colleagues in writing because it’s so necessary. I always say that writing is a solitary sport but it doesn’t mean that we have to be alone.

It’s been essential to my development as a writer to find people who understand exactly what it is that I do. Sure, I have a lot of great people in my life who I can bounce ideas off of and share some of my fears or goals with, but it’s still very useful to have a community of writers.

From my Philadelphia Permission to Write group to other friends that I’ve found along the way like Gabrielle Hickmon or mentors like Tiffany D. Jackson, I love having people that I can text or call or completely freak out with.

It may be awkward at first, but you need folks to come along on the journey with you. Hell, currently I’m seeking out a group for debut authors because, the stress! LOL. This week, I want to share a couple of ways that I’ve been able to make connections with other writers and really leverage the idea of community in my career.

Networking Across. Although Issa Rae has popularized this idea, it’s not new. So often when we are starting out, we like to target folks who are a lot farther in their careers than we are. Although they may even want to help you out, sometimes they may not have the time. No matter where they are currently in their careers, many of those I consider close writing friends, all started out somewhere in my stratosphere when I met them. Even if they were a little ahead of me, it wasn’t so far off. Don’t be afraid to build with the people coming up alongside you. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see all my friends, who started out blogging, getting book deals and running high level courses and workshops and more.

Utilizing the Internet. I know we can sometimes have a love/hate relationship with social media as writers. Believe me, there are days I wish I could literally live off the grid. But, it would be silly at this point in my career. The reality is, the internet has given me many opportunities I couldn’t have imagined. As a writer, Twitter is a really great place to start. Many writers, editors, etc., gravitate towards the medium. I guess because it’s words. Lol. Don’t be afraid to start building with people there. Whether it’s one or one hundred people, also be sure that you engage with the people who like and comment on your work.

Developing critique partners. I can’t tell you how amazing it’s been to have other writers that I can reach out to in order to read things. WE ALL NEED THAT! My amazing group here in Philly helped me with my query letter and a lot of my novel’s first pages. Relationships I made over the years also helped me develop beta readers for the whole project. Your writing and your art is something so sacred and you want to be able to share your work at these early stages with people you trust and whose feedback you value.

Organic engagement. I think one of the reasons that many of my writing relationships have lasted this many years is because it was organic and not forced. I am a fan of all my writing friends first and foremost. LOL. I learn from them daily whether they know it or not. Sometimes we can try a little too hard to make connections and end up disappointed when they don’t pan out. It’s a lot like dating, it’s best to let things happen naturally. It doesn’t mean we can’t speak up about what we need or put ourselves out there, but it helps to be as invested in others’ success as we are in our own.

Here within the Permission Granted community, don’t be afraid to chat folks up in the Slack. Drop some of your questions or just what you may be going through at the moment. Attend a PTW Power Hour where we work together on Zoom for an hour on Fridays. My hope is that in addition to garnering information about craft, you’ll also make lifelong writing friends here. Where in the future, you’ll be able to celebrate each other’s wins as well.

With community on the brain, I’d love for everyone to know a little more about one another. If you’re interested in being featured in our community, take a moment to complete this FORM!

Writing/Job Opportunities

Clare Murphy is accepting pitches for Dame Magazine. Human-centric, solutions-based stories. clare@damemagazine.com. Read her thread for more information on story ideas.

Marie Clare is hiring a Weekend Freelance Editor. Pop culture-obsessed, social media-savvy, and have 3+ years experience in fast-paced writing. Email resume to jenny.hollander@futurenet.com.

Sunset Magazine is hiring a Social Media Editor.

Elite Daily is hiring a part-time Celebrity Writer. Position is remote.

PCMag is hiring a Managing Editor, Features & Growth.

Matador Network is hiring a Senior Travel Editor.

Lifehacker is hiring a Staff Writer. (NYC based)

Slate is hiring a Politics Editor (NYC or DC)