Writer on the Move: Part Two

Writer on the Move: Part Two

Moving? 

Finding Your Writing Flow in a New Place

Moving can still knock the pencil right out of my hand! Actually, I never use a pencil....so in reality, moving can shut my computer? Close down scrivener? Knock my fingers off the keys? 

Anyway, since I last wrote the first moving blog in 2014, I’ve moved a few more times-- it's kind of a thing my husband and I do. I love moving, living in new places, and meeting new people. But the challenge of staying creatively connected always feels exhausting. Life changes, geography shifts, and with each move, all my routines and rituals disappear. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the writing community is resilient—and everywhere, and so am I. 

If you’re feeling unsettled and your writing feels scattered, know this: today’s world has more ways for writers to find connection and community online and in person. 

My advice to you after thirteen moves...

BE BRAVE!

Introduce yourself.

Get out of your house.

Join a group of like-minded writers.

Here are a few updated strategies to rebuild your writing life wherever you are today:

Digital Writing Communities

Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote town, online communities bring writers together from all over. 

Check out platforms like Substack Notes, Mastodon, or Discord writing groups, where writers gather for critiques, accountability, and support. 

Twitter (now known as X) still has a strong writing community (not everyone left); try using hashtags like #AmWriting, #WritingCommunity, or #KidLit to connect with like-minded writers.

Local Bookstores and Libraries

Bookstores and libraries continue to be hubs for literary connections. They’re more community-focused than ever, offering workshops, events, and even small critique groups. Ask your local bookstore or library if they host any writing groups—or if they’d be open to starting one! Libraries often offer free meeting rooms that make for great, neutral spaces for new writer meetups.

**As always, please check groups out before committing. I have made this mistake in the past: joining a group just to have it not quite fit me or me not quite fit it. I recommend going to at least three meetups before deciding to join or not.

Find a Writers’ Meetup Group or Hub

Meetup is still a great tool for locating local groups, although I find it challenging to find a solid group that meets with the same people every time. And now they are charging more to be on the platform, so I don't know how that will work out. However, you can find people within those groups who want to schedule an ongoing meeting. 

There are also new options like Eventbrite and Reedsy, which offer local events and virtual gatherings. And if you’re into genre writing (mystery, fantasy, etc.), there’s often a community for that, too!

Online Workshops and Classes

Staying connected doesn’t have to mean face-to-face. Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, and SCBWI offer virtual workshops where you can learn and meet other writers. There are even virtual writing conferences where you can connect with mentors and agents.

**Always double-check these sites for sales on classes. They have them often...so never pay full price!

Social Accountability Groups

Online accountability groups have made it easier to set goals, share progress, and get feedback. Try NaNoWriMo’s year-round forums, Write Practice, or join a Facebook group like 10-Minute Novelists to commit to regular check-ins with other writers.

Connect Locally—Beyond Writing Circles

Remember, other types of creative groups can spark inspiration and offer new connections. Art collectives, book clubs, or theater groups can give you fresh perspectives and the sense of belonging we all crave when building a creative life in a new place. 

When I move, I take art walks around my new town, noticing local artists and their voices. This helps me ground in the new energy and gives me a sense of place to write from. 

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If you’re in transition, here’s the game plan:

• Reach out: Tell people you’re a writer, in person and online.
• Get social: Don’t be shy—virtual or in-person, reach out and explore groups near or far.
• Ask for connections: Let people know you’re looking for writer friends. (This one is toughest for me, but I'm starting to ask. I even told my hairdresser, and she is going to give me a list of friends she has who love to write.)
• Stay open: Inspiration may come from other creative communities as well.
• Volunteer at local schools: If you want to write for kids, you MUST be around them. They evolve faster than you think. So you have to stay involved!

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Here are some helpful websites for writers looking to find local groups in a new town:

• Meetup.com – Search for local writing, book clubs, or critique groups. Meetup is widely used for in-person and virtual gatherings, and you can often find genre-specific writing communities.
• Eventbrite – Eventbrite has listings for writing workshops, readings, and literary events in many towns and cities, offering both free and paid options.
• Reedsy – Not only does Reedsy connect writers with editors and publishers, but they also have a community tab and offer events, online courses, and resources for writers at all stages.
• Substack – Substack isn’t just for newsletters; it’s become a platform where writers share their work and engage in community discussions. Writers can follow others, participate in discussions, and even start local Substack groups to meet and share work. (I haven't really used this one yet, but I am playing with it now.)
• SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) – If you’re a children’s book author, SCBWI has local chapters with regular meetings and workshops, plus an online member directory for connecting with other writers.
• NaNoWriMo Forums – NaNoWriMo’s website has year-round forums where writers connect by location and genre. Many local NaNoWriMo groups organize write-ins and meet-ups throughout the year.
• Facebook Groups – Try searching for groups like Writers in [Your City/State], [City] Writer’s Group, or genre-specific groups like Mystery Writers of [Location].
• Poets & Writers – Their Literary Events Calendar and Directory of Writers allow you to look up events and connect with other writers, as well as discover local writing groups and readings.
• Library and Bookstore Websites – Many libraries and indie bookstores list local events, book clubs, and workshops directly on their websites, making it easy to find nearby writing activities.
• Discord Writing Groups – Many Discord servers cater to writers by genre, interest, or location, allowing you to interact with people directly through text and voice chat. (If you haven't tried Discord, you must try MidJourney for art inspiration! It's a blast!!!)

Top five websites for new children's writers:

1. KidLit411
   A comprehensive site providing information on writing, illustrating, publishing, and marketing children's books, along with a supportive Facebook group.

2. Children's Writer's Guild (CWG)
   An online magazine and community for writers, illustrators, and educators, featuring essays, news, and advice on children's literature.

3. The Purple Crayon
   Offers articles and resources on writing and publishing children's books, including insights into the business side of publishing.

4. Inkygirl (Which has moved to debbieohi.com) A blog by author and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi, providing insights, tips, and resources for children's writers and illustrators.

5. Children's Book Insider (CBI)
   Offers a monthly newsletter, articles, and resources tailored for children's book writers, covering topics from writing tips to publishing advice.

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Your writing flow might take a moment to adjust to a new place, but the community is out there, ready to welcome you. 

With patience and persistence, you’ll find your groove—and maybe even expand it in ways you hadn’t expected.

Write~on,

Angie

**Want to join the list of authors and industry professionals on Teazurs? Reach out - let's do this! I LOVE supporting writers. ALL writers! Newbie writers not yet published. Seasoned writers with over 100 books. They've all been interviewed and well respected here. 

You matter! 

ALL of you. 

We need your voices out in the world more than ever. 

Be seen. 

Be heard!

PB Author Interview with Steena Hernandez

PB KidLit ALERT!

Interview with Picture Book Author

Steena Hernandez

Hey, writing warriors and crazy creatives!

Grab your tea or coffee and settle in, because today’s interview is a dancing treat! When it's cold outside, like here in Asheville - dancing and something hot to drink are vital keys to warming up your bones. I know from experience. Dance moves energy! It releases stuckness and can help you break through walls toward that inner peace that is yours for the taking.

Today, we have a special treat-- a professional dancer. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to transition from a Broadway stage to the pages of a book—or how a tiny detail like “pancaking ballet slippers” can spark a heartfelt story—this is for you. 

Our Teazurs guest, Steena Hernandez, brings an electric mix of performance, culture, and pure joy to her writing. She’s not only a champion of diverse stories but also a reminder that every experience (yes, even those journaling days on a tour bus) can shape your creative journey. 

Take a break. Relax, and Let’s dive into her vibrant world! 

How did your experiences performing with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the RENT Broadway Tour shape your approach to storytelling?

I find many similarities between performance and storytelling, specifically when it comes to portraying characters on stage. When you’re studying a play script...

...getting to know your character’s

personality and obstacles

is important to bringing them to life.

I also find this to be true when writing strong characters. I think I’m able to draw from my experiences as a performer in this way.

“Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers” sounds beautiful! Can you tell us what inspired the story, and what you hope young readers take away from it?

Thank you! I started dancing tap, jazz, and ballet at the age of three. I danced all through middle school and high school, where I was the only Latina dancer in my dance company. We traveled to many dance conventions where we competed, and it was there that I saw a group of girls “pancaking” their ballet slippers.

Pancaking ballet slippers

is when a dancer of darker skin tone takes a matching makeup

and applies it to the traditionally pink ballet slippers

in order to match it to their skin.

I wanted to inform about this process, and mostly, I hope that no matter what extra-circular activity, sport, or anything a child may be involved in, that they feel seen and important and hold on to the main message, “Everyone deserves to shine.”

As a proud Mexican American author, how do you incorporate your cultural heritage into your writing? 

It brings me joy to write about my culture, because, unfortunately, when I was growing up I didn’t have books that celebrated those things. While I write, I mine my memories, and I like to incorporate family, food, and my childhood experiences.

Why should children and adults read outside their culture or background? How does this help individuals and society as a whole?

I believe that when a child or adult reads outside of their culture, it provides a wonderful window into a world that might not be like their own. Seeing into another world can add empathy, connection, and understanding as we come together as a society.

What role did your journal play in helping you transition from performer to writer? Are there any journal entries that inspired specific stories? Any that inspired specific characters?

I loved writing in my journal when I was on tour, specifically when I toured with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra as a vocalist. At the time, I had not thought at all about writing stories, it was just a way for me to reflect on the day and unwind while on the tour bus.

I do have many journal entries that I later turned into stories,

one specifically became a middle-grade novel in verse that I have on submission now.

I was always jotting down my dreams in the morning before I went for a run. I’ve always been fascinated with dreams, and this story in particular became more once I started drafting it.

As far as characters, yes, my abuela, Hortencia, was in the dream and she’s in the story as well.

 

How do children influence your stories or even your creative process?

I’m a mother of two young children, and they absolutely influence my stories and creative process. I love to take time to listen to them and have playtime with them. It’s fun to hear how they communicate and interact with one another. I’ve jotted down some of the funniest and sweetest things they’ve done and said. I think this helps me keep my “inner child” voice close at heart while I write. We also homeschool and we belong to a co-op group, where being around other children is helpful, as I’m always collecting ideas and staying open to new things.

 

Congratulations on winning the 50 Precious Words Contest! What inspired your winning piece, and how has that recognition impacted your journey as a writer?

Thanks! Yes, 50 Precious Words Contest is a wonderful contest held every year by the amazing author, Vivian Kirkfield. I wrote an entry about sea turtles that was inspired by an art piece my son created for the Reflections Art Program. He cut and colored foil and glued it together in the shape of a beautiful sea turtle. My entry was titled Save the Sea Turtles, and it was an absolute honor to be recognized by Vivian and my writing community. It gave me confidence to keep writing and believing in my stories. I won’t ever forget that moment.

Do you enter contests often? What benefits have you gotten from contests?

I haven’t entered many contests lately since I’ve been focused on the release of my debut book and querying others. I did, however, enter many of them when I was first starting out. I think it’s a great way to get involved in the writing community and a way to strengthen your writing skills. Sometimes the writing prompts will spark something new and exciting…cue Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers, and how that story was born in a writing contest. :)

Should writers and illustrators continue taking classes for their craft? What classes do you most recommend to new writers/illustrators?

Absolutely! I still love taking classes and it’s important to keep learning and growing as writers/illustrators. I’ve found many craft classes through SCBWI, Writer’s Loft, Writing Barn, Storyteller Academy, and paying attention to social media, where I’ve found many of them. Also, Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 Picture Book Challenge is a wonderful resource and the webinars are amazing!

Your Instagram page is very happy and engaging - how do you keep it this way? Do you follow a format or have advice for other writers out there on social media?

Oh, that’s so nice to hear! Honestly, I was nervous about joining another platform after being on Twitter X for so long, where I originally connected with the writing community. I’m glad I took the time to learn new things like Canva and InShot apps that I use to help me create reels and posts. It’s been a fun learning experience, once I opened my mind to it. Mostly, I stay positive, supporting and connecting with others on their journey, and it’s been my favorite part.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? How can my readers help you become an even greater success?

Thank you so much for having me on your blog! This has been fun! I would love to connect with your readers, and it would be wonderful if they could share this interview and follow me on IG, Threads, and Bluesky. I would love to support and follow back. Also, find me at steenahernandez.com and sign up for my newsletter for updates about my author journey.

What a lovely interview, Steena. Thank you for being on Teazurs Blog.

And I am sure my readers will connect with you--just click the links above, readers!

I'm so glad you joined me on this inspiring interview with Steena! From dazzling audiences on stage to connecting with young readers through heartfelt stories, she’s a true testament to the power of storytelling. Don’t forget to follow her on social media, sign up for her newsletter, and spread the word about her beautiful work. Let’s give her the cheerleader-worthy support she deserves! 📣 You can bet I’ll be here clapping wildly from the sidelines.

Until next time, my creative friends—keep dreaming, keep writing, and remember, your story matters too.

If you would like to be on Teazurs Blog, reach out. I love supporting writers, illustrators, agents, publishers, all you creatives who support books and book people.

Let your voice be heard!
Write~on

Angie