How Do You Connect With Other Freelance Writers?

This question developed today after a little FaceBook thingy happened. The incident got me thinking about us freelance writing types and how we connect with other writers. I imagine it’s a bit different for each of us and I’ll bet there are more similarities than meets the eye.

In my previous article, I wrote about the concept of connecting and I acknowledged that some folks may not even connect with other writers. This article is for those who connect or may want to connect with other freelance writers.

Let’s get right to it and look at some of the options:

• FaceBook. I fought this one for a long time. Hated it. Thought it was stupid and a pain in the ass. Finally gave in. Like Riddick’s Necromongers it was convert or be killed. I have found it to be a great tool for connecting with other writers. I get to see what they are up to professionally and if I care to look, personally.
• Twitter. Been doing it for about three years now and I dig it. Bite sized bits of what’s happening with other writers. It’s super easy to follow folks and there are some writers doing some mind blowing stuff out there. I owe it all to the tweets.
• LinkedIn. I have an account. Yay me. I rarely use it. I think it may be more useful from a business perspective but certainly not as a place to connect with other writers (unless they are already in my circle).
• Writing Forums. Madness, I tell you. Sheer madness. I’ve yet to find one that wasn’t “clicky” and full of trolls. In one particular case I was so certain I wouldn’t get a fair shake in a writing contest, I entered the thing under a pen name.
• Writing Conferences. What? Press the flesh for real? The Hell, you say. Yep, the old tried and true. If you get the chance, a writing conference is one of the best ways to make long term connections that can be so much more real than the online connections.
• Writing groups. See Writing Forums above. If you find a good one, stick to it and give it everything you’ve got. So many are dismal failures. Oh and have you ever tried starting one? Good luck with that. Let me just say that Craigslist as a starting point is sure to give you a Stephen King experience.

These are just a few of the places that you can use to start connecting with other writers. Don’t do them all – you’ll make yourself crazy. Find one or two that fit you and your style and dive in. Like I said before, strive for balance. Take things slow and the connections will come.